The Bengali New Year is a festival close to the hearts of Bengalis, both at home and abroad. Even amidst the hectic lives led by the diaspora, there is no shortage of special preparations to mark this day. ‘Folk Pagla,’ a group dedicated to Bengali folk music based in Edinburgh, Scotland, organized a special event to celebrate the occasion this year.
About a year ago, a group of visionary young people formed the band ‘Folk Pagla’ with the aim of promoting Bengali folk music in Scotland. Their journey began with the celebration of ‘Pahela Baishakh’—a festival deeply cherished by Bengalis. This year’s Bengali New Year celebration also coincided with the band’s own anniversary festivities.
This vibrant New Year celebration took place last Sunday, April 19, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Many people traveled from nearby cities such as Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee to join in the festivities.
In his welcome address, Azim Mahmud Sumon, the founder of ‘Folk Pagla,’ introduced the group and stated, “We wish to spread love among people. Folk Pagla’s primary objective is to showcase the rich culture and heritage of our homeland to the next generation born abroad and to foreign audiences alike. We are moving forward with this very mission.”
This spectacular event commenced with a group rendition of the Bangladeshi national anthem. The cultural program then began with a chorus singing “Esho He Boishakh, Esho Esho.” Subsequently, artists performed a series of songs, including “Boishakh Mashe Aiso Bondhu Boishakhi Gaan Gaiya,” “Amar Gorur Garite Bou Sajiye,” “Bhalo Hoye Jao Re Bondhu,” “Jejon Premer Bhab Jane Na,” “Rangamatir Ronge Chokh Juralo,” “Binoy Kori Go Priya,” and “Guru Amar Moner Moyla Jabe Kemne.” The event also featured captivating dance performances and magic shows that delighted the children.
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The organizers also served lunch alongside the musical performances. The menu featured steamed rice, Hilsa fish, various types of bhorta (mashed vegetable/fish dishes), and dal (lentil soup), accompanied by tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
Among the audience at the New Year celebration in Edinburgh were Foysol Ahmed Chowdhury (former Member of the Scottish Parliament), Zakir Morol (Scotland BNP leader), Shahnoor Chowdhury (community activist), Humayun Kabir (Channel i journalist), Fakhrul Mazum Islam (President of Thistle Shapla Cultural Organization), Abu Miron (Workers Party candidate in the Scottish Parliament election), Mizan Rahman (journalist), Badrul Hussain Babu (freelance writer), Ziauddin Siddiqui (President of the Scotland Bangladesh Welfare Association), Khan Elahi Manjur (General Secretary), and journalists Farhad Reza, Tuhin Mahmud, and Rashid Ahmed, among others.