TRADITIONAL CULTURE OF BANGLADESH

Bangladesh has a long history in its culture. The land, the rivers, and the lives of the Bengali people formed a rich heritage with marked differences from neighbouring regions. The Bengal Renaissance of the 19th and early 20th centuries, noted Bengali writers, saints, authors, scientists, researchers, thinkers, music composers, painters and film-makers have played a significant role in the development of Bengali culture. The culture of Bangladesh is composite and over the centuries has assimilated influences of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity Music of Bangladesh-The music and dance styles of Bangladesh may be divided into three categories: classical, folk and modern. . Bangladesh has a rich tradition of folk songs, with lyrics rooted into vibrant tradition and spirituality, mysticism and devotion. Most prevalent of folk songs and music traditions include Bhatiali, Baul, Marfati, Murshidi and Bhawaiya. Lyricists like Lalon Shah, Hason Raja, Kangal Harinath, Romesh Shill, Abbas Uddin and many unknown anonymous lyrists have enriched the tradition of folk songs of Bangladesh. . In relatively modern context, Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul geeti form precious cultural heritage of Bangladesh. . Several musical instruments, some of them of indigenous origin, are used in Bangladesh, and major musical instruments used are the bamboo flute (banshi), drums (dhol), a single stringed instrument named ektara, a four stringed instrument called dotara.
Eid ul-Fitr-As the most important religious festival for the majority of Muslims, the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr has become a part of the culture of Bangladesh. On Eid day, the Eid prayer are held all over the country, in open areas like fields or inside mosques. The biggest congregation of Bangladesh is held at Sholakia in Kishoreganj, where about half a million people join the Eid prayer.[1] After the Eid prayers, people return home, visit each other's home and eat sweet dishes called shirni.
Eid ul-Adha-The celebration of Eid ul-Adha is similar to Eid ul-Fitr in many ways. The only big difference is the Qurbani or sacrifice of domestic animals on Eid ul-Adha. Numerous temporary marketplaces of different sizes called haat operate in the big cities for sale of Qurbani animals (usually cows and goats.
Pohela Boishakh-Pôhela Boishakh is the first day of the Bangla Calendar. It is usually celebrated on the 14th of April. Fairs are arranged in many parts of the country where various agricultural products, traditional handicrafts, toys, cosmetics, as well as various kinds of food and sweets are sold. Large numbers of people gather early in the morning under the banyan tree at Ramna Park where Chhayanat artists open the day with Rabindranath Tagore's famous song, Esho, he Boishakh, Esho esho (Come, year, come, come).
Dress-Bangladeshi people have unique dress preferences. Bangladeshi men wear kurta on religious and cultural occasions, lungi as casual wear and shirt-pant on formal occasions. Shalwar Kameez and Sharee are the main dresses of Bangladeshi women.
Cuisine of Bangladesh-Bangladesh is famous for its distinctive culinary tradition, and delicious food, snacks and savories. Boiled rice constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats of Bangladesh are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla, sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom
Religion in Bangladesh-Bangladesh is ethnically homogeneous, with Bengalis comprising 98% of the population. The majority of Bangladeshis (about 90%) are Muslim, and a small number of Hindus, Christians and Buddhists are also living in the country. The Government has declared National Holidays on all important religious festivals of the four major religions. Durga Puja, Christmas and Buddha Purnima are celebrated with enthusiasm in Bangladesh. All of these form an integral part of the cultural heritage of Bangladesh.