When is the independence day of Bangladesh?

Which holiday is celebrated with most fervor by people of Bangladesh - Boishakh, Eid-ul-Fitr or Independence Day?

• Or any other such as Martyr Day?

• Answer:

  This is a difficult question because all three have more than their fair share of frenzy and fervor. But, before I go ahead and answer this, a little bit of clarification is necessary. Independence day does not really see too much of a celebration since it is a very sad chapter of the nation's history. Bangladesh was officially declared independent (from Pakistan) on March 26th 1971 by FON Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This was followed by a level of gruesome violence, rape and mass murder that would embarrass even the most ambitious psychopathic mass murderers. So even though the day is acknowledged through parades, etc it is not really an occasion for vehement celebrations. Bangladesh eventually fought a nine month long war with Pakistan and was victorious on December 16th 1971. December 16th or Victory Day, is celebrated and celebrated well. However, as much as it is observed, the level of anticipation for this day or the festivity associated with it is not nearly as much as those of Pohela Boishakh or Eid-ul-fitr. It is very hard to compare between Pohela Boishakh and Eid ul Fitr, since one is a religious holiday and the other is a cultural holiday. While the former is an all-out carnival the latter is more of an occasion for family and friends. Between the two, Poila Boishaakh is definitely my favorite. It is a frenziful celebration of our Bengaliness, if i may make up a word like that. The whole nation wakes up  with a feeling of general happiness, anticipation and a beautifully exaggerated sense of hopefulness for better beginnings. The morning starts with singing Tagore (of course!), who besides writing our national anthem, also wrote an anthem for our favorite festival. A song dedicated solely to welcome Boishakh, the first month of the Bengali Year! : "Ësho he Boishakh Esho Esho ....... Muche jaak glaani, ghuche jaak jora, Ogni-snaane shuchi hok dhora .... Bochorer aborjona... dur hoye jak esho esho" Rough translation: O Boishakh come upon us. With your ascetic breath, dust away that which is dying Be gone the refuses and remnants of the year Let go old memories, let go forgotten melodies Let teardrops vaporize and fade into the distant skies. Wipe away weariness, eradicate infirmity Bathed in fire, may the earth gain purity This is followed by eating Hilsha fish and Panta bhaat and other Bengali delicacies. Then begins the day long carnival complete with rallies, masks, face painting, melas (fairs), games, fire-juggling, etc, etc, etc. All women dress in amazing red sarees and i can tell you that its a jolly affair. Tagore's Esho He Boishakh performance at Ramna botmul pohela boishakh parade panta rice, hilsha fish and various mashed goodies. Pohela boishakh street art In comparison, Eid is a much more relaxing and laid back affair. Don't get me wrong though, it is still the most anticipated holiday in Bangladesh; it is a time for family reunions, hanging out with friends, wearing fancy new clothes and eating insane amounts of foods and desserts. The otherwise over-crowded and carbon super-saturated Dhaka (capital) suddenly becomes empty and refreshingly breathable since most people travel to their villages or go on vacations. For kids, it is hand-down the best time of the year because of the Eidie tradition. Kids go up to adult relatives and pay their regards by touching their feet and are rewarded with generous amounts of crisp bills. In terms of  peoples' aggregate spending and revenue generated by businesses, I think it would be fair to assume that Eid-ul-Fitr outdoes any other occasion in Bangladesh by far. Since Eid is a follow up celebration of a whole month of fasting(Ramadan), it definitely has a greater build-up factor. Also shopping malls (and the whole fashion industry) sees a lot of business during the whole month. Its an apples and oranges comparison really, but you get the picture.