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Reflections of vibrant culture

MUHAMMAD ZAMIR
DECEMBER in the Bangalee psyche not only heralds the winter but also festivity. it is the time when Bangalees both in Bangladesh and the adjoining region, celebrate the bringing in of the harvest. it is the season for marriages, feasts and culinary delights like 'pithas.'
The months from December through to March are also known for the many occasions, which are the basis for national festivals.
This year for example, we have had the holy Eid-ul-Fitr in November after the month of Ramadan. We have commemorated 'Bijoy Dibosh' on 16 December and are looking forward towards Eid-ul-Adha in the beginning of January 2006. Very soon afterwards, the nation will be remembering the martyrs of the language movement and will observe the international Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibash on 21 February 2006. After that will come the National and independence Day on 26 March 2006.
Bangladesh is a land where festivals are linked to its multiethnicity, different religious beliefs, its history and traditions. it has a rich cultural tapestry that spans over three millennia. its festivals reflect its diversity.
Consequently, it was indeed a pleasant surprise to be invited to the publication ceremony of 'Festivals of Bangladesh' and to meet the members of its erudite editorial board -Professor Anisuzzaman, Shamsuzzaman Khan and Syed Manzoorul islam. it was a pleasure to discuss with them as to why they had given such focus and attention 'to capture in words and pictures the magnificence of the festivals of Bangladesh -- both sacred and secular'. They explained that their effort had been made possible through articles written by academicians as well as cultural and social anthropologists. i must admit that the text does provide in simple language the origin and development of the festivals while the coloured photographs reveal their splendour and setting. The juxtaposition of these elements help to explain the background that makes each festival so special.
As is accepted by all of us, festivals in Bangladesh reflect not only religious persuasions but also hopes
and aspirations. This is particularly true of religious occasions, which sometime transcend 'the confines of the community' in which they usually occur.
in Bangladesh festivals are a part of our vibrant culture. As a result, people from all communities not only enjoy such festivities but also use them as bridges to re-connect with their neighbours. Muharram, for example, is a Shi'ite festival, but has gained immense popularity in Sunni-dominated Bangladesh. in this context, Professor Anisuzzaman has wisely observed that Ras or Doljatra of the Hindu faith is also no longer restricted to Gaudiya Vaishnavites anymore.
The publication discusses and presents twenty-one festivals ranging from Pahela Baishakh to Boat races. in addition, it also covers national occasions like the Victory Day. it also focuses on ethnic festivals like the Buddha Purnima, the Ras festival of the Manipuris, the festivals of the people living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and also rituals linked to Majibhandari and Lalon festivals.
The editorial board deserves credit for their attention towards detail and graphic layout. As expected, such a compilation of different festivals in Bangladesh required use of many transliterated Bengali words. This called for a special academic exercise that required the Board members to standardize the transliteration. This has helped to improve the quality of the publication.
Particular thanks are also due to Karunangshu Barua Debu for his imaginative approach with regard to the publication.
This is an attractive coffee table book. it should be popular both within Bangladesh and also among expatriate Bangladeshis who always look for resource materials for their families.
Bangladesh is presently the Chairperson of SAARC and has closely identified itself with the South Asian ethos. our leadership often speaks of the need for creating a cultural least common denominator in this region. in this context, it might be a good idea if the responsible authorities carefully considered the possibility of assisting the publishers of this volume in printing a series dealing with the cultural festivals of our South Asian family. There could be seven more books reflecting the national festivals of the other seven member states of SAARC. There is great similarity in the ethnic composition as well as in the religious faiths that are practiced in this region. Such a series could eventually help to bring the region together in a meaningful manner.
Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador who can be reached at mzamir@dhaka.net