Festivals and celebrations have always played an important role in the lives of Bangladeshis. These festivals are parts and correspondence of Bengali culture and tradition. There are some festivals that are the same as in other countries, and there are also some that are unusual for others.

Here are the lists of interesting festivals celebrated in Bangladesh:

o Pahela Baishakh – is the advent of the Bengali New Year. It is a joyous celebration that is practiced throughout the country. The Pahela Baishakh, which is in the middle of April, is a public holiday. The celebration takes place mainly in the Ramna Park, which becomes a colorful and lively place every time the Pahela Baishkah is celebrated.

o Bangladesh Independence Day: It is celebrated every March 26 and is the largest state festival celebrated in the country. During Bangladesh Independence Day, the country’s capital shows its most festive aspect. Bangladeshis wake up in the early hours of the morning firing guns and prosperous firecrackers to mark the day.

o The day is a very important day for the people of Bangladesh. The country conducts a mourning procedure that begins in Dhaka at midnight by singing the song “Amar vaier raktay rangano ekushay february” (February 21, the day stained with the blood of my brothers). Bangladeshis pay tribute to the martyrs by laying wreaths at the Shahid Minar.

o Eid-e-Miladunnabi: This celebration commemorates the birth and death of Eid-e-Miladunnabi, who was born and died on the same day which is the 12th Rabiul Awal of the lunar month. Eid-e-Miladunnabi is a national holiday, where Bangladeshis display their national flags on top of all houses and establishments. Special foods are also served in orphanages, hospitals and prisons during the Eid-e-Miladunnabi celebration.

o Eid-ul-Azha – a Bangladeshi holiday regarded as the second largest festival of Muslims. It is held in honor of “Hajj” in Mecca on the 10th of Zilhaj of the lunar month. Worship ceremonies are held throughout the country on this day. The flora and fauna are offered in honor of Hazrat Ibrahim’s vigilance for the supreme sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah.

o Christmas: It is also celebrated in Bangladesh, popularly known as “Bara Din”, which means Great Day. It is celebrated with spectacle in Dhaka and other parts of the country. These are major multi-day meetings held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ramna, the Portuguese Church in Tejgaon, the Bangladesh Church (Protestant) in Johnson Road, and the Bangladesh Baptist Sangha in Sadarghat Dhaka. The churches are illuminated with decorative Christmas trees.

These are just some of the holidays and festivals celebrated in Bangladesh. There are a few more others, which are sure to be enjoyed by all visitors and travelers visiting Bangladesh.