National Festivals

Independence Day:
The independence of Bangladesh was declared on 26 March 1971 following the crackdown by the Pakistani army on the night of 25 March 1971. Since then, the day has been observed as the Independence Day. On 3 October 1981, the government headed by President Ziaur Rahman decided to observe it as the National Day as well. On the occasion the national Flag is hoisted atop all public buildings, and the streets and houses are draped in banners and festoons. In the morning, the school children take part in parade, games and sports, and in the evening, cultural and film shows are presented and the streets are illuminated. Special diet is served in hospitals, orphanages and prisons.

Victory Day:
Bijoy Dibash (Victory Day) commemorates the day in 1971 (16 December) when ninety thousand troops of the Pakistan occupation army surrendered to the allied forces of Bangladesh and India at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. The day is observed with due solemnity and nationalistic fervor. The first ray of the morning is heralded with a 31 gun-salute. In capital Dhaka, there is usually a ceremonial military parade in which all uniformed services are represented. Hundreds of thousands of people gather at the National Parade Square to watch this parade. Floral wreaths are laid at the Jatiya Smriti Saudha (National Memorial Monument) at Savar near Dhaka in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the country.

Pahela Boishakh (Bangla New Year):
The Bangla New Year or Pahela Baishakh has been part of the country's folk tradition since time immemorial. Baishakhi Mela or festival is the oldest and biggest secular event of the year and very much a part and parcel of indigenous Bangali culture. Various cultural programs are held all over the country on this very day. The biggest cultural program is held in Ramna in Dhaka to welcome the Bangla New Year. However, the biggest function on the first day of Baisakh is the holding of fairs. Many fancy goods, handicrafts and sweets are sold in the fair. In some places, such a fair continues for a week, even a fortnight. The main attraction of the day is the colorful rally to welcome the New Year which is brought out from the Institute of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka.

Book Fair:
A month long book fair is held in the premise of the Bangla Academy in the month of February each year in the remembrance of the martyrs of the language movement in the year 1952. This is more a cultural festival rather a political one. Various kinds of books are sold in the fair. The buyers also get a discount on the price of the books. For the book lovers it is no less than the paradise. At the same time, writers are also available in the fair. This adds an extra flavor in the fair.

Spring Festival:
One of the noteworthy festivals in Bangladesh is the Spring Festival. Spring is regarded as the season of love, color and the abundance of life. This festival is held on the 1st day of the month of Falgun of Bangla calendar. On this day nature takes a festive look. This festival is to welcome the spring, the queen of all seasons. Various colorful and cultural programs are held by different organizations across the country on this day. But the biggest program is held at Bakultala premise in the Institute of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka by the Shommilito Shangskritik Jot.