Bangladesh welcomes spring with messages of unity and equality

The Basanta Utsab, or Spring Festival, is being celebrated in Dhaka with a message of unity and a vision for a Bangladesh founded on fairness and equal rights.  

The festivities kicked off on Friday at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty’s Bakultola, with a performance by Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay.  

As in previous years, the National Spring Festival Celebration Council (Jatiya Basanta Utsab Udjapon Parishad) has organized events across the city, including Bakultola and Bahadur Shah Park in Old Dhaka. However, the open-stage event in Uttara’s Sector-3 was canceled due to unforeseen challenges, according to the organizers.  

Cultural performances began in the morning at the Fine Arts Faculty and Bahadur Shah Park, drawing crowds dressed in vibrant attire to mark the first day of Falgun, the Bengali month that welcomes spring.  

Among the attendees was Suraiya Tabassum, who brought her daughter from Dhanmondi to experience the celebrations. “I used to attend Basanta Utsab during my university days. This time, I brought my daughter along, and it feels wonderful,” she shared.  

From morning until noon, the venues came alive with dance, music, and poetry recitations. Alongside performances by cultural groups, ethnic communities showcased their traditions, captivating the audience. Participants also engaged in the customary practice of smearing each other with colorful powders.  

"We organize this festival to promote equality, just as nature does," said Manzar Chowdhury Sweet, General Secretary of the National Spring Festival Celebration Council.  

"Just like a garden is beautiful with a variety of flowers, diversity enriches society. Through this festival, we want to spread the message that many flowers should bloom. May Bangladesh be a land of harmony, equal opportunity, and freedom from discrimination."  

Kajal Debnath, Vice-President of the Celebration Council, reflected on the unfulfilled aspirations of the Liberation War.  

"Flowers don’t bloom for just one person; they bloom for all. This is the message of equality. Nature teaches us this, and spring, known as the 'king of seasons,' reminds us to spread this message far and wide."  

"I was 21 during the Liberation War, and today’s youth, who dream of an equal Bangladesh, carry the same vision we had. We fought for an egalitarian society, but that dream is yet to be fully realized. Through this movement, we continue to dream of an equal Bangladesh. May that dream come true—this is our hope for the spring festival."  

He also expressed regret over the cancellation of the Uttara event.  

The festival was hosted by Naila Tarannum Chowdhury Kakoli and Ahsan Dipu.