Bangla New Year celebrated in Nigeria with colour, festivity

 Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria celebrated Bangla New Year-1426 on 14 April 2019 at the Chancery amid melodious music, spectacular dance, recitation and traditional cuisine depicting rich Bengalee culture and heritage.

Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc, High Commissioner exchanged New Year’s greetings with the guests. In his welcome remarks, he expressed hope that the New Year would bring in renewed happiness and prosperity in the lives of all Bangalees living in the country and abroad. While touching on the non-communal & secular tradition in the Bangalee culture, he mentioned that recent recognition of MangalShobhajatra by UNESCO as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ has added a new dimension to the celebration of Bangla New Year. Community members also spoke on the occasion. A video documentary on MangalShobhajatra was screened.

The discussion session was followed by a colourful cultural function which impressed the guests. The members of the diaspora, expatriate Bangalees of India and High Commission families took part.

The auditorium was beautifully decorated giving an aura of Bangalee culture with the use of sari, traditional motifs, articles and handicrafts of Bangladesh. A good number of guests including members of civil society and a large number of expatriate Bangalees from West Bengal, community members and Mission officials were present at the event.

The guests were served with traditional Bangalee cuisine which contained flavour of Bangalee food.