Bangladeshis celebrate two joyous occasions on February 14 every year: Pahela Falgun, the first day of spring in the Bengali calendar, and Valentine's Day.
Previously, Pahela Falgun was observed on February 13, but in 2020, Bangla Academy adjusted the calendar to align with the Gregorian system, merging the celebration with Valentine's Day.
The country is now fully prepared to welcome Falgun with vibrant festivities. People embrace the season of renewal with traditional yellow and red attire. This marks the arrival of spring, which brings golden sunlight and gentle warmth following the brief winter.
The tradition of celebrating Pahela Falgun in Bangladesh began in the Bengali year 1401. Since then, the Jatiya Bawshonto Utsab Udyapan Parishad has organized grand celebrations at Bakultala, located at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University.
This year, the festivities will begin again at Charukala Bakultala with cultural performances and lively gatherings. Various institutions, including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), as well as businesses and organizations, are also gearing up to mark the occasion with diverse events.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 at Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan is already witnessing an increased turnout. Book fair authorities and vendors anticipate an even larger crowd on this special Wednesday, as the combined celebrations attract visitors in greater numbers.
Valentine's Day also adds a romantic flair to celebrations. Popular entertainment artists are releasing new songs, dramas, and OTT content, while television channels, FM radio stations, social media platforms, and YouTube creators have lined up special programs for the day.
To make the occasion even more memorable for couples and groups of friends and family, restaurants, resorts, five-star hotels, and eateries are offering attractive packages and discounts.
With Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day coinciding, Bangladeshis are embracing a blend of tradition and modernity—celebrating the vibrancy of spring and the essence of love in a grand, unified festival.
Over the years, this day has become a cherished occasion, especially among the youth, who see it as an unmissable opportunity for celebration.
