Amusement parks and public spaces across Dhaka turned into vibrant hubs of festivity on Monday (14 April), as thousands adorned in traditional attire welcomed Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, with rides, music, and cultural delights.
From dawn, major amusement parks such as Shilpakala Academy, The Parliament Plaza, Justice Shahbuddin Park, Hatirjheel, DNCC Wonderland (Shishu Mela), Fantasy Kingdom, and Nandan Park experienced an overwhelming influx of families, children and young adults, many queuing patiently for rides, games, and specially curated Baishakhi attractions.
To draw the holiday crowds, park authorities offered discounted ride packages and special promotional offers—initiatives that paid off in footfall.
Some parks reduced entry fees for children and groups, while others extended operating hours to accommodate the festive throng.
"Most parks organised special Pahela Baishakh programmes and promotions," said Anup Kumar Sarkar, coordinator of the Bangladesh Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (BAAPA).
"These drew crowds from early morning, and many venues reported excellent turnout."
Meanwhile, Ramna Park—long a centrepiece of Baishakhi celebrations—came alive with open-air concerts, Baul songs, and folk dance performances.
Crowds spanning all ages swayed to the rhythm of classic Baishakhi numbers, soaking in the springtime atmosphere under the open sky.
But not all found the crowd manageable.
Beyond music and rides, cultural fairs added flavour to the day.
The Bangla Academy grounds hosted a bustling Baishakhi Mela, where artisans displayed traditional crafts, handmade jewellery and culinary favourites. Stalls selling panta bhat with hilsha, local street foods and sweets reported brisk sales.
Despite occasional congestion, the spirit of celebration prevailed, as the city’s parks offered Dhakaites a joyous blend of nostalgia, novelty, and community revelry—ushering in the Bengali year 1432 with unrestrained delight.
