Festivals in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is place of racial harmony and people of different religions lives here with peace and harmony. Perhaps Bangladesh is the only country of the world where every religion's festival days are celebrated as government holidays. Some major religious and cultural festivals of Bangladesh are listed below:
 

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is the largest religious festival for the Muslims. It is celebrated after the fasting month of Ramadan and on the 1st day of Shawal (Arabic month). One week before the Eid festival people start going to their respective villages from Dhaka to celebrate Eid and the roads become overcrowded and as a result some accidents usually occur this time. So, it is recommended not to use the highways for about two weeks (one week before the Eid day and one week after the Eid day) during the Eid festival.

Eid-ul-Azha

Eid-ul-Azha is the celebration of sacrifice. On the Eid day and two days after the Eid day, cows and goats are sacrificed for the satisfaction of Almighty Allah. This time also the roads and highways get overcrowded and it is recommended not to use the highways for about two weeks (one week before the Eid day and one week after the Eid day) during the Eid festival.

Bangla New Year Day (Pohela Boishakh)

The Bengali New Year Day, popularly known as Pohela Boishakh is celebrated on the 1st day of Boishakh (Bengali Month) which falls on the 14th of April each year. People celebrate this day by wearing traditional Bengali dress and by eating ilish (hilsha) fish with watered rice. You can enjoy the numerous cultural programs arranged throughout the city and can also join the rallies which are organized in the Dhaka University area. This is a very good time to watch and enjoy the Bangla cultural heritage.

Ekushey Boi Mela

Omor Ekushey Boi Mela or Ekushey Book Fair is the national book fair which takes place during the whole month of February. This book fair commemorates the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on the 21st February of 1952 to full-fill their demand of establishing Bangla as one of the national languages of Pakistan. The book fair takes place in and around Bangla Academy located in the Dhaka University area.