Dear Bengali New Year 1427,
We are not happy with your arrival this year. Rather, there’s a feeling of sadness all around. All the old memories of New Year Celebrations flooding the heads of the residents of this beautiful city. These memories are asking us, “Why are you so gloomy on such a joyous day?” We are mute. We cannot comprehend how to explain it. With death knocking on the doors of everyone, how can we celebrate? There’s no Mangal Shobhajatra at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University this year. Nor is the rendition of “Esho He Boishakh” by Chhayanaut happening under the banyan tree at Ramna Park. There’s no hanging out with friends, or dressing up pretty in the colors of Bengali New Year for the occasion. I’ve never experienced such a drab, black and white New Year ever before in my life! Even in the scorching heat of summer, we celebrated last year. Wearing mother’s red and white saree suited Rumki last year. This year, Rumki isn’t even getting to celebrate.
Where’s the fun? Everyone is sulking. We’re all isolated, and will stay isolated.
Sincerely Yours,
An Isolated and Sullen Dhaka
The letter that you’ve been reading is from a brooding Dhaka to the New Year! Every year, the celebrations come as a breath of freshness, and we start the new year on good footing. But this year is not the same. And we, the citizens of Dhaka, cannot accept that fact. চাইছে। Here’s the reply from Bengali New Year 1427 if it could have replied:
Dear Dhaka and the whole of Bangladesh,
I come to you every year, being a ray of hope with the promise of a new beginning. And this year’s going to be the same. I’m coming tomorrow. But the times have changed. There’s the COVID-19 pandemic that has been ravaging the whole world, with Bangladesh being no exception. To save yourselves, you’ve isolated yourselves in your homes. Don’t worry though, I will be coming to everyone’s homes, bringing hope and joy. But I am not sure if I’d be welcomed at every home. That thought saddens me. All I am here to do is to spread some joy in such a bleak time as this. I’ve always delivered joyous moments to everyone, and have done so for many years. And now, I’ve turned into the reason everyone is so sad and broody. I understand everyone is quarantined at home, and celebrating the Bengali New Year 1427 might be a luxury to many. That doesn’t mean we have to stop living life and just keep on sulking. If you can work from home, you can surely celebrate Bengali New Year 1427 from home. You might wonder how? Fear not, I’ll tell you how. With the dawn of a new year, you’ll have to learn new ways to celebrate it.
Morning
Start off your morning by playing “Esho He Boishakh” on YouTube or the Television. It will charge you up in the morning. You could have Panta Bhat with Fried Hilsha Fish, or whatever else there is for breakfast in the morning with the song playing in the background. Plus this time, you have your family with you, since everyone is at home. So make these moments count and spend a beautiful start to the new year with your dear and loved ones.
Afternoon
Add a touch of bangaliana to your home today! When we think of decorating our homes, there are countless ideas. We’re in love with western ideals when it comes to home decor. It seems as if we are a bit biased towards western ideals in this case. This is the day we throw all that out of the window and go for something more traditional. It is the perfect occasion after all. So, get your whole family together and redecorate your home.
This day is also perfect for cooking up a special meal for the family. It is alright if you can’t make arrangements for it. You don’t necessarily have to make it a grand meal. You could also fold pieces of paper and make origami to decorate your home. Take a brush and paint your traditional Alpana on the walls, to mark the beginning of Bengali New Year 1427.
Evening
The house is done, scrumptious food has been made. Now, what is left? Oh yes, dressing yourself up in the colors of the Bengali New Year. Dress up in traditional attire and visit the balcony of your house. Spend time there with your family, taking pictures and reliving old memories of the New Year. These moments will be an ode to better days, a reminder of what is coming. You can have video calls with friends and relatives, and wish them a happy new year. Listening to some beautiful bengali songs and singing along to them would be the perfect way to end the day.
Maybe this isn’t how we celebrate the Bengali New Year traditionally. But if we do it together, we can still have a beautiful Bengali New Year this year! Things will get better, the people of Dhaka will be stronger. There is no need to head out of your home to celebrate the new year. We can do it by staying home and staying safe.
Dear Dhaka, I’ll be back with another even brighter new year. Stay strong!এমন অসময়ে সকলে একসাথে থেকো।
Sincerely Yours,
Bengali New Year 1427
If you have anything to say to the beautiful city, do let us know in the comments below.
