The culture of Bangladesh has an ancient history more than 2500 years ago. The culture of Bangladesh is amalgamated with different tradition and is influenced by many creed, doctrine and faith including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and by tribal. Hera the majority of people are Muslim, then Hindu, Buddha, Christian and the relation ship among these people is good.
The main cultural festivals Pohela Boisakh is the first day of Bengali Calendar and this day is celebrated by all the people of Bangladesh irrespective of cast, creed and color. This day has a long history. Celebration of this day started from Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign. Previously this day was celebrated by festivals, fairs and opening Halkhata in the shop or other business places which means new book of accounts and close the old one. Thus this day became a part of our social life. Now with the old traditions many new festivities are also included. This day is a government holy day. In this day the people of Bangladesh put their traditional dress, the Women wear Shari with white and red combination and the Men wear Panjabi of the same colour.This day begins with the Rabindra Sangeet "Eso he Boisakh eso eso..". The people all over the country bring out a rally with colourful festoons, placards. In this day the people prefer Panta Vat with green chilli, Hilsha fish and onions. They also enjoy different traditional festivals that include songs, dances etc. In this day different organisations organise traditional program including Jar, Sari gan.
Eid ul-fitr is the main religious festivals of Muslim and becomes a part of the culture of Bangladesh. The government declare holy day for three days. After following a long month fast and prayer this day is held. In this day Eid prayer is held all over the country. They wear new dress. After Eid prayer the Muslim embrace one another. In this occasion different delicious foods are prepared at every home including Sinni, Semay, Meat etc. Eid fair are also organised in different places and this is a great joy for children. The children get the chance to touch the foot of their older and get money or Eid presentation in alternative of money. Different channels telecast special program for 5 or 6 days for this occasion including drama, cinema, songs etc. Eid ul-Adha is the second religious festivals of the Muslim. The main significance of this day is Qurbani or sacrificing domestic animal. Before the Eid day all over the country many market of cow and goats that are called the Haat are operated. The people buy the animals according to their choice and capability. In Eid day these are sacrificed according to the religious doctrine. The people enjoy this day similarly to Eid ul-Fitr . Special foods are served to the hospitals, orphanages and jails on both of the Eid days.
Durga Puja is the biggest religious festivals of Bengali Hindu and also known as Durgtosab. This festivals contains mainly five days including Maha Sosthi, Maha Soptomi, Maha Astomi, Maha Nabomi and Maha Doshomi or Bijoya. These dates are fixed according to the Bangla calendar. The people go to the temple to see Debi Protima. The people share their joys, greetings and solidarity in the temple. Temples are decorated with lighting. The people wear new dress in this festivals. In the morning they give Anjali in the temple. Fair are held in different places during this time and boat race known as Nouka baich are also held. . At evening Arati Anusthan is also celebrated. This festival ends with the day Mahalya when Debi Protima are immersed in rivers that is called Devi Bisarjon. The people prey to Ma Durga for happiness of the human being. In Bangladesh Public holyday is declared for puja.
Christmas day known as Bara Din are celebrated in everywhere. This is the birth day of Jesus Christ. The people of Bangladesh celebrate this day in their own unique way. During this time the people gather in the church. They decorate the Christmas tree gorgeously. The people celebrate this day by gathering together, cutting cake, opening the gift, singing, laughing etc. They visit one another house. Like another festivals it is also a great joy to the children. They eagerly wait for the gift from Santa clause. This day is a public holy day.
Buddha Purnima is the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community and this day has a great significance. This day is the birth day of Gautam Buddha in 563 B.C, achieved the 'Nirvana' that is enlightment in this day, and he died also in the same day. To celebrate this day all the Buddhis Bihara all over the country organise traditional festivals along with solemn devotion. This day program includes hosting the religious flag on the Bihara, reciting the life of Gautam Buddha, group meditation etc. The Buddhist celebrate this day with their friends, family, relatives and neighborhoods. They exchange greetings with each other. In this day on morning after taking bath they wear new dress and go to the Pagodas to say their prayers.
On the month May two significance legends of Bengali literature were born. They are Rabindronath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Rabindronath Tagore was born in 7 may 1861. He used to write magnificent poetry from his early age. His glorious strolling is on the every sides of Bengali literature including poetry, noel, drama, song, visual art, short play etc. The national anthem of Bangladesh,'Amar Sonar Bangla ami tomay valobasi'is written by him. He achieved the Novel prize for his 'Geetanjali Kabbograntho 1n 1913.' The Bangladeshi calibrates the birthday of this legend with great enthusiasm. In this day different cultural organisation organize many cultural function all over the country containing songs, drama, novel, recite the life of Rabi etc to remember this mastermind poet. Kazi Nazrul Islam is another legend in Bengali literature was born in 25 may 1899. He is the national poet of Bangladesh and mostly known as rebel poet. Through his literature, journalism he fought against the foreign rule, colonialism, exploitation. Nazrul turn the Bengali song in new feature. In Bangladesh Nazrul Jayanti is celebrated with great joy. The cultural organisation all over the country remember the poet with great respect with his song, poem, novel.
Wedding is another cultural program in Bangladesh and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. In Bangladesh marriage or wedding is arranged by a math-maker known as Ghatok who is either the relative or neighbor of the of the couple or a professional Ghatok. Bengali wedding has a number of parts these are pre-wedding including gaye Halud, wedding, post-wedding including Bou Vat. These are celebrated with great joy and happiness. After wedding has completed the groom, and bride groom take the blessing of their elders by touching their foots.
