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‘A night of Bengali culture’
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Posted on Apr 15 2009
Traditional and modern Bangladeshi music filled the air as women, men and children in colorful sari ushered in the Bengali New Year or Pohela Boishakh on Tuesday night at the Garapan Central Park.
Bengali New Year, 1416 falls on April 15.
“This is an important cultural event for us. We get together to celebrate Bengali New Year 1416,” said Shirin Faruk, 39, who was in a colorful sari along with her family.
Members of the Bangladeshi community on Saipan ushered in the year 1416 with music, food and magic tricks.
Faruk said the number of revelers has dramatically declined this year as many Bangladeshis have gone back home due to the economy that forced businesses to reduce operations or cut down jobs.
“It’s a smaller celebration [than previous years],” Faruk added.
Rakibul Islam Minto, president of the Bangladesh Cultural Group, said they also awarded prizes to the winners of the volleyball tournament and a 600-meter run during the New Year celebration.
Md. Habib Ullah, secretary of the Bangladesh Cultural Group, said even though fewer than expected showed up to greet the New Year, they’re still happy for the opportunity to get together.
Representatives from the Filipino and local community also joined the celebration, which also featured a fireworks display.
