The celebration, however, in the last few years was far below its enthusiasm and distinct character due to uncanny feelings, panicky situation and sense of insecurity among the citizens against the backdrop of Ramna Batamul incident and the subsequent ultra militant-led series of bomb attacks across the country.

Once that phase is 'almost' over and sense of security well assured, this time, the Pahela Baishakh celebration has swung back to life again in Chittagong with much more colour, festivity, enthusiasm, vivacity and spontaneity. People from all ages and strata of life welcomed the first day of Bangla year 1414 on Saturday. Attired in colourful dresses the people, including women and children, thronged the DC Hill premises, the focal point of all festivities, and at different city points.

Unlike Dhaka, where colourful masks and portraits of elephant, tiger or other giant animals made by fine arts students predominantly marked the celebrations, the port city concentrated on cultural programmes, dance performance and Baishakhi Mela depicting the glories of Bangla culture, tradition and heritage.

Sammilita Barsha Biday O Baran Parishad organised the main programmes on DC Hill premises, the main venue of all Pahela Baishakh celebrations in Chittagong, to welcome the new year where many cultural organisations took part. The dawn of 1414 began with folk songs by noted singers Abdur Rahman Boyati and Farida Parvin.

The beautiful DC Hill premises was in festive look throughout the day and it became more vibrant for its Bishakhi fair.

"This is a great privilege for me to attend the Pahela Baishakh celebration outside Dhaka and I'm quite impressed the way it is being celebrated here," said singer Farida Parvin on Saturday morning.

The district administration this year also came up with much enthusiasm and organised a day-long programme on the Shilpakala Academy premises.

Concord Amusement Park authorities organised colourful programmes at Foy's Lake and Zia Smriti Complex premises. Thousands of children enjoyed the programmes in these amusement centres where the authorities offered them different rides with special discount.

Fulki, a non-traditional educational institution, came up with a surprise pack of attractive arrangements that included Baishakhi fair, pantomime show, science fair, book fair, painting exhibition and cultural programmes.

"We always strive to do something different while celebrating Pahela Baishakh and children usually are our main point of attention because we believe that the more they know Bangla culture and tradition the better it would be for the nation," said Shila Momen, principal of the institution.

Chittagong Press Club also organised a day-long programme titled "Press Club-e Katuk Baishakher Natun Din." The programme included art and pitha competition attended by the children and wives of club members.