Pahela Baishakh 1408 Celebration
IC Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
April 21, 2001

Bangalees from New Orleans and Baton Rouge area gathered at LSU campus on April 21, 2001, to celebrate the coming of the New Bangla Year.  On this occasion, a literary magazine, Akashleena, was published, which was edited by Kamrun Zinia.  This Bangla magazine contains poems, short stories and lampoon.  A cultural program in which poetry reading, and dances were performed, delighted the audiences.  Dhaka's literary figure Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shelly was present at the celebration.  Interestingly, a dozen or so police officers from Bangladesh who are now on training in Baton Rouge also attended the function.  A sumptuous dinner containing Eelish Mach, Dal with Ka(n)cha Aam, and other goodies added the needed attraction.  It was a meal everyone liked.  Bangla sweet dish "Payesh" was also embellished the culinary delights.   Here are some photos from the Pahela Baishakh Celebration from South Louisiana.

                                                    Zinia, Simiya, and Neetu on the stage


Zinia at the podium greeting the guests
 
          Zinia reciting a Tagore's poem                                   Simiya reciting Jibanananda Das's poem


 
  Mrs. Mizanur Rahman Shelly reciting a poem             Mandira Sengupta reads a poem as Mustafa Sarwar looks on


"Hridoy Amar Nacher'y Ajike'y Moyur'ero Moto Nacheyer'e"
This Dance was performed by Gargi


A Post-Program Get Together

 
                                                     Two Jamdani sari-clad Bangalee lolona: Purobi and Zinia


Our Visiting Valiant BangladeshPolice Officers


The Two Similing Organizers: Prof. Khosruzzaman Chowdhury and Zinia


From left: A visiting Police Officer, Prof. Mahmud Khan, a police officer, Dr. Mizanur R Shelly, and Dr. Majid


Riaz Shibli, Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shelly, Dr. Khosruzzaman and Zinia


Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shelly (2nd from the left) with visiting Police Officers


Some of the visiting police officers of Bangladesh with Zinia and Dr. Mustafa Sarwar


Shibli, Purobi, and Zinia with the visiting Police Officers from Bangladesh


The visiting police officers with our locals and Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shelly


Three visiting police officers with Jaffor Ullah, Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shelly, and Dr. Majid


A close-up view of Bangladesh's visiting Police Officers


Drs. Jaffor Ullah, Khosruzzaman, Mizanur Rahman Shelly, Mustafa Sarwar, Zinia, and Shibli with the police officers


A smiling Riaz Shibli and Quamrun Zinia at the reception


A Post Script

Thanks to Zinia, Shibli, and Dr. Khosruzzaman for a wonderful evening.  The Bangla magazine 'Akashleena' could be obtained from Zinia.  We should celebrate more of our cultural porbon to reaffirm our Bangalitto.  Without culture, what have we got?  A big zero.  Thanks again to Zinia and others who toiled very hard to make this Pahela Baishakh program an enjoyable event.

The photos and write-up by: A.H. Jaffor Ullah