UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York : The Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York celebrated Bangla New Year-1425 on 20 April, 2018 at the Chancery amid a Cake Festival, melodious music, spectacular dance, recitation, traditional cuisine and pastry depicting rich Bengali culture and heritage.

At the outset of the celebratory program, members of the Consulate family attended a parade of “Mangal Shobhajatra” in the Auditorium. Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, ndc, Consul General exchanged New Year’s

greetings with the guests. In his welcome remarks, he expressed hope that the New Year would bring in renewed happiness and prosperity in the lives of all Bangladesh nationals living in the country and abroad.

In this regard, he mentioned that recent recognition of “Mangal Shobhajatra” by UNESCO as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ has added a new dimension to the celebration of Bangla New Year.

The celebration had two segments. The first part included Pitha Utshob (Cake Festival) where a good number of foreigners including diplomats, member of the US civil society were present, among others. It

showcased home-made traditional Bangladeshi cakes volunteered by the ladies of the Consulate. There were spectacular cultural performance which impressed the foreign guests. A colorful catalogue was

brought out to mark the Cake Festival. The discussion session was followed by a colorful cultural function. The Consulate General and Permanent Mission families and members of the diaspora took part which was well-received.

Held at the auditorium, decorated with traditional motifs and articles and handicrafts of Bangladesh, a large number of freedom fighters and eminent persons and social and political leaders including members of diaspora, members of media representatives of various organizations were present at the event. Mrs.

Fahmida Jabeen, wife of H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of

Bangladesh to UN and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Awami League, US Chapter were also present, among others.

The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.