It was a bright sunny day breeze was cool, sky beautifully day. A perfect Day to welcome New Year in traditional Bengali way. Everyone was dressed for the occasion women in white saree with red border in red, men wore red tinged Punjabi and white pajama. The place Our House Restaurant and Banquet was filled to the brim with people. People had to stand and crowd spilled out to the lawn. Some 400+ people . showed up to celebrate Pohela Boisakh and to get a taste of Bangladesh.
BANJ welcomed all with “Esho he Boisakh” theme.
Women and men alike browsed and shopped in the stalls for colorful clothes sarees. Kameez. Flocked to mouth devouring food stalls for “panta Ilish” ‘pithas’ of various flavors
The event started from 1pm and the cultural program began at 4pm with an introduction by the cultural secretary Shimul Banu. Followed by Chorus songs, participants were Nasreen Suhrawardi Rina Amanullah, Mahmuda Irani, Meher Nigar, Shamsul Haq and Sibabrata Banerjee. Lead singer was Naser Chisty and in Tabla accompaniment was Dr. Sayed Aziz.
Dr. Faruque Azam, President of BANJ made a welcome speech and wishing “Shuvo Naboborsho”. He wishes that Naboborsho will bring a steadier and peaceful earth to live in. He thanked all the members involved in organizing this event Golam Faruk Bhuiyan, Nasreen Suhrawardi, Salim Islam, Akbar Hosen Bablu, Azizur Rahman Aziza Haque Rumi, Dilshad Banu Shimul, Dr.Monowar Hossain, Ajmol Ali, Mufti Ahmed, Meher Nigar, Md. Apu, Faizur Rahman,, Dr.Shah Ikramul Haq, Ryan Ismail, Ajanta Siddiqui,and thanked sponsors and all the vendors for their support . Acknowledged generous contribution by Naznin Hossain, Faruk Bhuiyan Monowar Hossain, Ajmol Ali and Mir Chowdhury. After his speech Dr.faruque Azam requested past president Mir chowdhury to convey his’ Boisakhi shuveccha’.
Farah and Shakil sang to the tune of “ Boisakhi mela’. Then there was parade of young ones “jemon Kushi Sajo’ which was a stealer. First prize went to Farsid( 3 years old) as Baul,Second was Amreen, third were Nasheeta and Issan. They received the awards from the sponsor Mrs. Nilu Faruk.
Meher Nigar recited “Nirjorer Shopno Vongo” and Afrida danced along it was apleasant composition.
It was followed by spectacular Children’s dance program “Boisakhi Jhonkar”, choreographed by cultural secretary,Shimul Banu.. Participants in dances were Fariha,Taskeen,Melissa,Nashita,Noori,Lamisha, Faiza Imon,Rafat,Sunny, Zesan, Zarif ,Raisul, Feema, Urbi ,Dia, Barisa, Nora ,Zarin, Nafeesa, Oeishi, Fahim, Radiya, Maymun and Ariana
In between the dance Faruque Azam recited a poem of Nazrul Islam, accompanied by tabla. This was appreciated by audience by repeated applause.
The stage was greatly appreciated which depicted the mud house of Bengal, it was crafted by Shimul Banu and her team Parveen Irene Mommy, Jashim, Ratna ,Ayub and Bablu. Aziza haq Rumi was instrumental in keeping liaison with the vendors and publicity.
Following the children’s program was award ceremony the prizes and medals were sponsored by Nilu Faruq, Asif Matin and Faruque Azam. Asif Matin was recognized for his contribution in improving BANJ website.
The Raffle draw was conducted by Ryan Ismail who added suspense and fun to it. The first prize was sponsored by Nasreen Suhrawardi 2nd prize by Ajanta Siddiqui. 3rd and 4th prize was by Akbar Hosen Bablu.
The main artist of the program was Parvez saifullah a national gold medalist singer on Tagore songs . He did mesmerize audience with his performance.
At the end General Secretary Salim Islam gave vote of thanks to all the audience . He declared that BANJ’s next program will be “Eid Anondomela’ on November 16 2013. He also encouraged everyone to be a member of BANJ and visit the website www.banj.net.
On this occasion a beautiful and rich magazine was published. It adorned by prolific writers like Jyotirmoy Datta , Minakhi Datta, Hasanal Abdullah Aminur Rashid Pintoo,Badruzzaman Alamgir. “Prangone Boisakh” was published. Ajanta Siddiqui as the editor Shaheen Tarafdar as sub-editor and other members of team were Aziza Haq Rumi Meher Nigar and Asif Matin. The eye catching cover was by Sriporna Mitra.
There were people who are not even Board members but helped selflessly; Dr. Faruque Azam acknowledged them with deep gratitude and said all the spouses’ parents and participants deserve a big applause.
Program had a great finale.The sun was setting in the West a serene environment prevailed in the air. Each left with joy in their heart and wishes on their lips “Shuvo Noboborsho”