NEW DELHI: Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year-1422, was celebrated with traditional festivities and gaiety at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Eminent Lalon exponent Farida Parveen and her troupe, flown in New Delhi from Dhaka, enthralled a select Delhi audience.

High dignities officials of the Indian government, Ambassadors and Diplomats from various countries, cultural activists, Bangladeshi expatiates and students residing in greater New Delhi area enjoyed the programme at the Moitree Hall of the High Commission in the evening.

Magsaysay award winner Farida parveen rendered her famous traditional Bengali religious music, ‘Baul songs’, before the applause of the packed audience.

Besides, Gazi Abdul Hakim has been performed Bangla folks flute music. Participated other members of the troupe are ASM Reza (dholak), Debendranath Chatterjee (tabla player, music director & rhythm composer) and Delwar Hossain (dotara).

On conclusion of her presentation, Bangladesh High Commissioner Syed Muazzem Ali and Begum Ali greeted an honoured to the artists and introduced them to the dignitaries and Ambassadors present.

The celebration was rounded-off with a traditional Baisakhi dinner that included Dhakai Hilsha.

Earlier, an essay competition among the Bangladeshi children was organised to create greater awareness among the younger generation about the Pahela Baishakh.