Color and Food as appetizers for the mind and body
Each festival is celebrated with foods of the season, that are to dies for! There is one thing Bangladeshis know how to do well- CELEBRATE! The colors of the festivities, the flowers in everyone's hair, the clothes, the smells and flavors of the distinct sweets, savory snacks, heart warming music and dance paint a memorable picture showcasing the past and present. The rich colors and vivacious people are every photographer's dream.
Bangladeshi festivals in North America and Europe
It is interesting to note the Bangladeshis are notorious for carrying a bit of their home everywhere they go. So look out for Bangladeshi festivals in your local newspapers and radio that are celebrated all around the world. Its a great opportunity to sample the local flavors and get a glimpse into our ancient culture!
Back in Bangladesh...
Muslims: Our big festivals are the two Eids. Its like having 2 christmas-es! Its timed by the lunar calendar. So the Eid after the month of fasting is 10 days earlier every year that the last, noted by the sighting of the new moon.
Hindus: Given our ancient bond to India, people join in the color festivities irrespective of religious backgrounds. The flowers, rituals, dances and singing marathons throughout the night in pocket gatherings throughout the country are gems of experiences.
Buddhist: Festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly. Its just more excuse of have a blast and eat geat food!
Christian: Christmas is popular in Bangladesh among the younger generation. Gift exchange and spending quality time with family on vacations have caught on.
Now for the serious list of Public Holidays:
Bangladesh Public Holidays 2007 |
|
| Shab-e Barat (Ascension of the Prophet). |
August 10/11 2007 |
| Durga Puja (Dashami). |
October 2, 2007 |
| Shab e-Qadr (Evening of Destiny). |
October 20, 2007 |
| (3 days) Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). |
October 31, 2007 |
| National Revolution Day. |
November 7, 2007 |
| Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh). |
December 16, 2007 |
| (3 days) Eid ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). |
December 20, 2007 |
Bangladesh Public Holidays 2008 |
|
| New Year's Day |
January 1, 2008 |
| Islamic New Year |
January 20, 2008 |
| International Mother Language Day. |
February 21, 2008 |
| Independence Day. |
March 26, 2008 |
| Bangla New Year. |
April 14, 2008 |
| Labor Day |
May 1, 2008 |
| Buddha Purnima. |
May 2, 2008 |
| Shab-e Barat (Ascension of the Prophet). |
July 30, 2008 |
| Durga Puja (Dashami). |
October 2, 2008 |
| Shab e-Qadr (Evening of Destiny). |
October 20, 2008 |
| (3 days) Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). |
October 2, 2008 |
| National Revolution Day. |
November 7, 2008 |
| Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh). |
December 16, 2008 |
| (3 days) Eid ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). |
December 29, 2008 |
