Dhaka is in a festive mood today, dressed in colours so vibrant that even in this blistering Chaitra-Baishakh heat you feel a sense of joy around you. City dwellers are out and about, attending various programmes organised to usher in the Bangla new year.

"Rishka Festival", taking place at Aloki in Tejgaon, is a space where tradition meets creativity. It deserves a mandatory visit today unless you have already been there.

The event has that classic Baishakhi mela feel. It began last Friday, April 11, and ends today, April 14. Rishka Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration of Bangladeshi heritage, empowering local artists and taking Bengal's rich culture to the global stage.

 The organisers planned each activity to highlight the rich Bangla cultural essence and the timelessness of our heritage through the eyes of contemporary creators. They also told stories and evoked enchanting emotions and an experience that'll leave you astounded and happy to see how the new crop of creative minds are taking these age-old charms forward.

"I just visit these fairs to interact with young creators. Their sharp and different perception of tradition and local heritage lined with global exposure makes their crafts interesting. We all know how a Ghazi pot painting is usually painted on thick cloth, but bringing it in screen print on a 'gamcha' is unique. The red and blue colours of the 'potchitra' are used on two-dimensional characteristics portraits against the checkered background of a 'gamcha' making it a modern collectible," says Shahida Rahman, a schoolteacher, who loves artsy crafts. 

Visitors can access all the available activities using the "All-Access Pass".

Interestingly, there were a lot of activities planned for each day, like Rishka concerts, movie screenings, workshops like Ikebana making and mask painting, and evocative theatre performances.

Classics like "Pather Panchali" and "Matir Moyna" were already screened, but the iconic "Beder Meye Josna" will be shown today on the big screen around 3:00pm. The event's grand finale will feature a soulful acoustic performance by Firoze Jong.

Fairs like this are fun to visit on any day, but particularly during Pahela Baishakh.

Rishka Festival 2025 celebrates Pahela Baishakh in all its colours and experiences, filled with music, art, food, and everything that makes an event memorable – filled with joy, tradition, and unforgettable memories.

However, this is not the only festival of note happening today. We also have a colourful, lively, and unique Baishakhi Mela and Nogor Uthshob 1432, under the initiative of Dhaka North City Corporation, organised by Gulshan Society at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan 2. 

Aptly titled "Oligoli Halkhata", it is a three-day event, from April 13 to 15. The event is a cultural exchange organised by Dhaka North City Corporation in partnership with Catch Bangladesh Limited, supported by various sponsors and cultural organisations.

 The event is full of activities like "Alpana" (traditional painting) and crafting clay toys for children. For shopping, there will be stalls featuring traditional handicrafts, ethnic attires, pitha-puli, rural products, books, and much more.

Cultural performances of folk music and vibrant Baishakhi performances, along with a book launch on Dhaka's heritage and history will keep visitors busy. Besides there will also be food stalls and other fun activities.

The festival is open to all, ensuring a joyous Baishakhi experience for people of all ages.