Dhaka, Feb. 13 -- The arrival of Bashanta, the Bengali season of spring, has been marked in a subdued mood this year, with Pohela Falgun celebrations scaled back following the just concluded general election.

Festivities on Saturday will be limited in scope after government directives restricting large public gatherings in the post-election period.

In previous years, Dhaka University's TSC and the Amar Ekushey Book Fair grounds would come alive days ahead of Pohela Falgun, with crowds of young people dressed in yellow welcoming the new season.

This year, such scenes were largely absent across the capital.

The National Spring Festival Celebration Council, which traditionally hosts the main Bashanta event at Bakultala on the Dhaka Unive...