, April 14 -- The nation is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year 1432, today (Monday) with vibrant festivities, cultural programmes and traditional enthusiasm across the country.

Marking the advent of the New Year, the government has undertaken elaborate arrangements. People from all walks of life are joining in the celebrations with colourful processions, music, fairs and traditional Bengali attires.

Dhaka University is marking the occasion with its customary rally, now renamed 'Barshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra', replacing the decades-old name 'Mangal Shobhajatra'.

The renaming was announced during a press briefing at the Faculty of Fine Arts on Friday. This year's rally is being held under the theme 'Nobob...