Edmonton, Alberta (DEC News) The Alberta Parliament in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, became a vibrant hub of cultural exchange as it celebrated the Bengali New Year with dignity and enthusiasm on April 16, 2024
. The event marked a significant moment in Alberta’s cultural calendar, resonating with the rich traditions of Pohela Boishakh.
MLA Jackie Lovely extended a warm welcome to Bangladeshi community leaders at the Legislative Building. The event set the stage for a meaningful meeting between Bengali-speaking community leaders and the Honorable Speaker of Parliament, Nathan Cooper.
In his address, Speaker Nathan Cooper conveyed heartfelt wishes for a joyous Bengali New Year and expressed his keen interest in visiting Bangladesh shortly. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the Alberta government and Bangladesh.
The essence of the Bengali New Year, with its vibrant festivities such as village fairs, traders' halkhata, Mangal Shobhajatra, Nagordola, and the iconic Ramna Batmool Chhayanaut gathering, was enthusiastically celebrated. The colorful attire worn by attendees reflected the spirit of individuality, universality, secularism, and humanity—values deeply embedded in the festival. These traditional elements found recognition even within the distinguished halls of the Alberta Legislature.
The celebration commenced with Speaker Nathan Cooper introducing various organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Bengali heritage, including the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, Bangladesh Canada Association of Edmonton, Edmonton Bengali Association, and Alberta Bengali Society. These organizations have played a vital role in upholding Bengali culture and traditions in Alberta.
Notable guests included Bir Muktijoddha Delwar Jahid, Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta, and President of the Bangladesh North American Journalist Network. Other esteemed leaders in attendance were BCAE President Din Islam, Janmejoy Das Chowdhury, Bikash Talukder, and Rozina Meena.
During the afternoon session, MLA Jackie Lovely presented a statement on the significance of Pohela Boishakh. Additionally, Delwar Jahid, a prominent advocate for human rights and democracy, held a separate meeting with government caucus MLA Jason Stephan to foster further dialogue and understanding. The presence of Babu Indra Chowdhury, the United Conservative Caucus Community Outreach Coordinator, added energy and vibrancy to the event, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
A Historical Perspective:
The Bengali New Year was first officially recognized at the Alberta Parliament on April 4, 2017. The session was chaired by Honourable Robert E. Wanner, then Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and featured a member statement by Ms. Woollard, who acknowledged the significance of the occasion and extended New Year greetings to the Bengali community in Alberta.
She remarked, "Bengali New Year, or Pohela Boishakh, is the first day of the Bengali calendar, celebrated on April 14 in Bangladesh and many other South Asian countries. It is a time of fairs, festivals, and music, with people preparing traditional dishes and visiting family and friends. A key part of the celebration is the meal of fermented rice and hilsa fish."
The deep-rooted traditions of Pohela Boishakh, originating from rural Bengal, have evolved into grand festivities in urban centers, especially in Dhaka. The procession organized by the students and faculty of the University of Dhaka remains one of the most iconic aspects of the celebration, featuring themes that reflect Bangladesh’s culture and politics.
A Community-Led Initiative:
The first celebration at Alberta’s Parliament was spearheaded by the then government under the NDP. Eminent journalist Delwar Jahid played a leading role in uniting the Bangladeshi community and advocating for the recognition of Bengali heritage in Alberta.
The continued celebration of Bengali New Year at the Alberta Parliament underscores the province’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity. As the tradition grows stronger, it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Bengali heritage among the broader Canadian society.
