Those came out of their houses with friends and families to welcome the Bangla New Year suffered a lot due to unusual traffic congestions in many parts of the capital.
A number of city points were made off-limit to traffic causing additional sufferings to the revellers, especially those who came out with kids.
Karwanbazar, Farmgate, Banglamotor, Mouchak, Malibagh, Paltan and other parts of the city saw huge congestions mainly because of celebrations on the streets with musical concerts.
Many had to return home or go to their destinations on foot instead of looking for rickshaws or auto-rickshaws as there was little chance to go faster than walking.
Traffic police sergeants, however, said they are trying their best to keep the streets useable with usual flow of vehicles.
Despite sufferings in sultry weather, the Nababarsha revellers were happy as the celebrations were going on peacefully.
“We’re happy. Things are taking place peacefully. We won’t mind walking for miles. But scorching heat is the problem. Too much hot,” Syed Islam who came to join the celebrations told this correspondent.
He said they had waited for an hour expecting the congestion to be eased. “But, there’s no sign of improvement. So, we’ve started playing rural games on the streets making the best use of time.”
A good number of makeshift shops were set up on each busy street displaying traditional foods, toys and other products. Youths were seen hosting a number of rural games alluring kids to join them.
Many thirsty people, including kids, were seen having sugarcane juice and watermelon. Many took traditional ‘panta bhat (watered rice) with fried hilsa lentil, green chilli and onion at home, restaurants and fairs.
Many are seen with their cheeks and parts of their body painted with the country’s map and other emblems, to celebrate the occasion.
The biggest venue of the celebration was at Ramna Batamul, where programmes started with a Chhayanaut performance of Rabindranath Tagore’s song ‘Esho he Baishakh’.
Source:UNB Connect
