By Beauty Sarker from Manikgonj
On the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, Bengali New Year, farmers of Atkuriya village in Singair Upazila, Manikganj, celebrated under a banyan tree with various activities including agricultural input exhibitions, handicrafts display, local seed exhibitions, seed exchange, and Baul music performances. Farmers, students, teachers, cultural activists, and BARCIK staff participated.
Farmers collectively highlighted the cultural and agricultural importance of the festival. Renu Begum, caretaker of the Agroecology Learning Center, said Pahela Baishakh is a shared festival that strengthens relationships among farmers. Teacher Rabindranath Sarker said that culture sustains a nation. BARCIK staff emphasized that the festival is important for women, as they play a key role in seed conservation and biodiversity protection.
Farmer Mukuntha Majumdar said, ‘seed exchange strengthens relationships among farmers.’ Participants exchanged locally conserved seeds, while women displayed handicrafts. Baul songs were performed to engage the younger generation. Teacher Nader Chandra Mondal concluded the event by calling for continuity of such traditions for a better future.
