There are as many festivals in Bangladesh as there are days in the year. Fairs and festivals play an important role in the social life of ordinary Bangladeshis. The biggest Muslim religious festivals are the Eid-Ul-Fitr (end of the fasting month of Ramadhan). Eid-ul-Azha, Muharram and Miladunnabi (birth day of the Prophet), Widely celebrated festivals for other religious communities are the Durga Puja for the Hindus, Christmas for Christians and Buddha Purnima for the Buddhists. Bangla New Year's Day (Pahela Baishakh), Shahid Dibas (Language Martyrs' Day), Independence Day (March 26) and Victory Day (December 16) are celebrated nation-wide. Besides these religious and national festivals, villages and townships, professional groups, cultural organizations arrange their own festivals. Content for class "menu" Goes Here Eid-Ul-Fitr The biggest Muslim festival, Eid-ul- Fitr is observed throughout the world. The Eid falls on the following day of Ramadan or the month of fasting. . Eid-ul-Azha Eid-ul-Azha is the second biggest festival of the Muslims. It marks the Hajj in Mecca on the 10th of Zilhaj, the lunar month. Large Eid congregations are held in mosques and public prayer grounds. Animals are sacrificed in the memory of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AM) preparedness for the sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah. The day is a public holiday. Muharram The biggest Muslim festival, Eid-ul- Fitr is observed throughout the world. The Eid falls on the following day of Ramadan or the month of fasting. Pahela Baishakh Bengali New Year's day is colorful event in the cities and villages throughout the country. The day (14 April) is a public holiday.The most attractive event in Dhaka, that spreads throughout the day, takes place at Ramna Park. Students of the Fine Art Institute of Dhaka University organize colorful pageant where paper made animals and masks figure prominantly. Tournaments, boat races and other forms of celebration take place amidst great jubilation. Many fairs are held in Dhaka and other towns and villages. Independence Day The biggest state festival, the Independence day (March 26) is observed throughout the country. All major cities wear a festive look. It is a public holiday. The citizens of Dhaka wake up early in the morning to the sound of booming guns heralding the day. Leaders of the government, political and social organizations, freedom fighters and ordinary citizens alike place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organizations held cultural function Sports meet and tournaments are organized including the exciting boat race in the river Buriganga. At night the main public buildings are illuminated. Similar functions are arranged in other cities and towns. 21st Feb. : World Mother Language Day 21 February of every year is observed throughout the country in remembrance of the martyrs' of Language Movement of 1952. Blood was shed on this day at the Central Shahid Minar (near Dhaka Medical College Hospital) area to establish Bangla as a state language of Pakistan. All subsequent movements including the struggle for independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The Shahid Minar (martyrs' monument) is the symbol of the supreme sacrifice for the mother tongue. The day is a public holiday. Mourning services begin in Dhaka at midnight at the Shahid Minar with a song that tellingly recal the sacrifice of the martyrs. The event of the day include processions, song sessions, placing of flowers at the Minar and prayer at the graves of martyrs' at Azimpur. The day has been declared the International Mother Language Day by the UNESCO Chirstmas Christmas, known as "Bara Din" or The Big Day in Bangla is celebrated with festivities in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Several day-long congregations are held at St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Portuguese Church at Tejgaon, Church of Bangladesh (Protestant) on Johnson Road and Bangladesh Baptist Sangha at Sadarghat, Dhaka. Functions include illumination of churches, decorating Christmas tree & other festivities. Durga Puja Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Hindu community in the country, continues for ten days with the last three days being the most joyful. The festivities culminate with the idol of goddess Durga immersed in the river. In Dhaka the big celebrations are held ; at Dhakeswari Temple, where a fair is also held and at the Ram Krishna Mission. Mosques Dhaka is better known as a city of mosques. The number of mosques in Dhaka city-old and new would be more than one thousand. The Prominent mosques are the seven-Domed Mosque (17th century), Baitull Mukarram-National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan Mosque. The only surviving monument of the pre-Mughal period in Dhaka is Binat Bibi's mosque (1457) in Narinda. Other monuments of the Sultanate period around Dhaka are the single-dome Goaldi Mosque (1493-1519) and Mosque of Fateh Shah at Mograpara (1484). Hindu Temples Dhakeshwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna Mission. Churches Armenian Church (1781 A.D.) St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna. Church of Bangladesh or former Holy Rosary Church (1677A.D.) at Tejgaon. Ahsan Manzil Museum It was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi , Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan now housing a museum. Lalbagh Fort On the bank of the river Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an example of the nations rich cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many events. The renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab 21st Feb. : World Mother Language Day 21 February of every year is observed throughout the country in remembrance of the martyrs' of Language Movement of 1952. Blood was shed on this day at the Central Shahid Minar (near Dhaka Medical College Hospital) area to establish Bangla as a state language of Pakistan. All subsequent movements including the struggle for independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The Shahid Minar (martyrs' monument) is the symbol of the supreme sacrifice for the mother tongue. The day is a public holiday. Mourning services begin in Dhaka at midnight at the Shahid Minar with a song that tellingly recal the sacrifice of the martyrs. The event of the day include processions, song sessions, placing of flowers at the Minar and prayer at the graves of martyrs' at Azimpur. The day has been declared the International Mother Language Day by the UNESCO. Central Shahid Minar Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight. 1857 Memorial (Bahadur Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against the British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged. There is a large monument which was erected in 1962. National Museum Housed in an impressive building the Museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures, coins, paintings and inscriptions. Baldah Garden The century old Boldha Garden is situated in Wari, in the old part of Dhaka city (opposite the Christian cemetery). Set up by Narendra Narayan Roy, a landlord and nature lover, the garden has a nice collection of indigenous and exotic plants and is one of the most exciting attention for naturalists and tourists alike., Divided into two units, psyche (the soul) and cybele (mother goddes of nature). The garden has about 1500 plants and trees cover 672 species and 87 families. Many of these are rare plants procured from different countries of the world. A lovely lily pond inside Psyche and a sun dial are worth visiting. The tombs of the founder and his son are located within Cybele. Open: Saturday-Thursday, 9:00am to 5:00 pm. Friday closed. **Entry tickets are available on the gate. National Botanical Garden Spread over an area of 205 acres of land, The Botanical Garden is located at Mirpur, near the Dhaka Zoo. It has a collection of nearly 100 species of local and foreign plants. Outstanding attractions included 100 varieties of roses in the rose corner, 100 varieties of bamboo in the bamboo grove, varieties of sandal wood and an old banyan tree. The Garden is a favourite retreat for the city dwellers. Open: Saturday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm **Ticket has to buy at the gate. Ramna Green A vast stretch of green garden with a lake in the middle near the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Ramna Garden is the biggest park in Dhaka. It has well kept rounds, trees,flowers, gardens, walking and boating facilities. National Park Situated at Bhawal, 40 km. north of Dhaka - Trisal - Mymensingh highway, it is an ideal spot for visitors, artists, photographers, bird watchers and tourists. A vast (16,000 acres) national recreational forests, the main flora is Gajari (Assam Sal) and fauna includes small tigers, leopards, small bears, monkeys, porcupine, foxes and pythons, lizards and many local birds. A 1000 metre long meandering man-made lake having angling and rowing facilities, the flower gardens inside are added attraction to natural beauty. Mere walking or lazing under the shade of tree is pleasant. twenty picnic spots, 6 rest-houses of the forest department are comfortable inside the national park. Prior permission/booking have to be obtained from the Divisional Forest Office, Mohakhali, Dhaka. Ph: 88-02-8814700 National Poet's Graveyard National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on August 28, 1976 and was laid to rest here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque. Suhrawardy Uddyan (Race Course) Formerly known as the Race Course, Suhrawardy Uddyan is a popular park of the city. The Child Education & Recreation park (Shishu Park) is also located in a corner of this big Uddyan. Sonargaon About 29 km. from Dhaka is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal. It was the seat of Deva dynasty until the 13th century. From this period onward till the time of the advent of the Mughals. Sonargaon was a subsidiary capital of the Sultanate of Bengal. Paharpur The largest known monastery south of Himalayas. Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court, measuring more than 900 ft. externally on each side, has high enclosure-walls about 16 ft. in thickness and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. more MAHASTHANGARH Dating back over 2000 years. Mahasthan, the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh is on the western bank of river Karatoa 18 km. north of Bogra town beside Bogra-Rangpur Road. The spectacular site is imposing landmarks in the area having a fortified, oblong enclosure measuring 5000 ft. by 4500 ft. with an average height of 15-ft. form the surrounding paddy fields. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins find out within a semicircle of about five miles radius. more Mainamati An isolated low, dimpled range of hills, dotted with more than 50 ancient Buddhist settlements of the 8th to 12th century A.D. known as Mainamati-Lalmai range are extended through the center of the district of Comilla. Salban Vihara, almost in the middle of the Mainamati Lalmai hill range consists of 115 cells, built around a spacious courtyard with cruciform temple in the centre facing its only gateway complex to the north resembling that, of the Paharpur Monastery. Kutila Mura situated on a flattened hillock, about 5 km. north of Salban Vihara inside the Comilla Cantonment is a picturesque Buddhist establishment. more Sixty Domed Mosque In mid-15th century, a Muslim colony was founded in the inhospitable mangrove forest of the Sundarbans near the seacoast in the Bagerhat district by an obscure saintGeneral, named Ulugh Khan Jahan. He was the earliest torchbearer of Islam in tide south who laid the nucleus of an affluent city during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah (1442-59), then known as 'khalifatabad' (present Bagerhat). Khan Jahan aborned his city with numerous mosques, tanks, roads and other public buildings, the spectacular ruins of which are focused around the most imppsing and largest multi-domed mosques in Bangladesh known as the Shait-Gumbad Masjid (160' X 108'). more Kantanagar Temple, Dinajpur The most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is the Kantanagar temple near Dinajpur town, which was built in 1752 by Maharaja Pran Nath of Dinajpur. The temple, a 50' square three storeyed edifice, rests on a slightly curved raised plinth of sandstone blocks, believed to have been quarried from the ruins of the ancient city of Bangarh near Gangharampur in West Bengal. It was originally a navaratna temple, crowned with four richly ornamental corner towers on two storeys and a central one over the three storeys. Unfortunately these ornate towers collapsed during an earthquake at the end of the 19th century. In spite of this, the monument rightly claims to be the finest extant example of its type in brick and terracotta, built by Bengali artisans. The central cella is surrounded on all sides by a covered varendah, each peirced by three entrances, which are separated by equally ornate dwarf brick pillars, corresponding to the three delicately causped entrances of the balcony, the sanctum has also three richly decorated arched openings on each face. Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terracotta plaques, representing flora, fauna, geometric motifs, mythological scenes and an astonishing array of contemporary social scenes and favourite pastimes.

Royal Bengal tigers, the pride of Bangladesh, have been known to grow to a body length of more than 2m. They have a life span of 16 years and prey on deer, boars and fish stranded on river beds at low tide. It is only in old age, when they have lost their physical agility and canine fangs that they some times prey on workers in the area. There are thought to be roughly 400 tigers remaining in the Sundarbans and every year there are reports of people in the area get ting eaten by tigers. Although they may not admit it, most guides, despite carrying rifles, are terrified of the tigers. Consequently, they make considerable noise during excursions, scaring them off and virtually ensuring that you won't encounter one. Nevertheless, there are just enough sightings to encour age visitors. One group reported seeing a tiger swim right by their boat. Rescue teams in northern Pakistan are battling to reach tens of thousands of people cut off by monsoon flooding. While water is receding in some areas, many communities remain cut off by the region's worst flooding for 80 years. Unicef said 3m people had been affected and more than 1,400 had been killed. The government said some 27,000 people remained trapped and awaiting help. Renewed rain on Tuesday slowed the relief effort, with criticism rising of the pace of the government response. In the Swat Valley, where thousands are still rebuilding after a major military operation against the Taliban during 2009, the flooding has brought down bridges and left communities cut off. "The civil administration is totally zero in helping," one medical student, Abdullah, told the BBC. "There [are] no aid agencies here at the moment - I haven't seen anyone, because more than 25 bridges have been swept away. These are the metal bridges for carrying transport." The Malakand region, which includes Swat, is among the worst-affected areas. Villages in Malakand have suffered heavy casualties, with roads and bridges washed away. Adnan Khan, a spokesman for the disaster management authority in the worst-affected province, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, told Reuters news agency that logistics were now an immense challenge. "The entire infrastructure we built in the last 50 years has been destroyed," he said. The BBC's Lyse Doucet, in Islamabad, says the flooding would be a challenge in any country, but is a growing crisis for a country like Pakistan, already suffering economic woes and a Taliban insurgency. With a picturesque hinterland of large hill-forests and lakes, Chittagong is a good vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladesh and the biggest International seaport. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holidaymakers. It combines the hum of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill-town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also connected with Cox's Bazar, Calcutta and Dubai by air. Srimangol, known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the main tea center of the area. For miles and mils around, the visitor can see the teagardens spread like green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation is a memorable experience. Sylhet and Srimangol, the tea granary of Bangladesh, not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses three largest tea garden in the world both in area and production. Sylhet is linked with Dhaka by rail, road and air. a) Valid passport is required for nationals of all countries for a visit to Bangladesh. However, passports are not required for the holders of identity certificate, laissez passers issued by United Nations and its affiliated bodies and continuous Discharge certificate/Nullies/ Seaman Book (Travelling on duty to join or repatriate from ship) issued by any country recognized by Bangladesh. b) Visas are required for nationals of all countries with the following exceptions: Bhutan, Barbados, Bostwoana, Burkina Faso, Cyprus, Fiji, Western Samoa, Tonga, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Mauritus, Malawi, Maldives, Singapore, Switzerland, St. Kitts and Nevis, Ghana and Gabon. 'No visa required' means that no visa is required for stay in Bangladesh upto 90 days only. For further extension of stay permission is required. European, North American and Australian passport holders of Bangladesh origin do not required visa provided they pay US$ 50.00 or equivalent and have their passports stamped "No visa required for travel to Bangladesh" by Bangladesh Missions abroads. c) The Immigration Authority may issue landing Permit (LP) or Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) to the following category of visitors : Residents and Nationals of the countries where Bangladesh Missions are not located and countries which extend LP or VOA formalities of Bangladesh. Nationals (on reciprocal basis); this however will not be applicable to residents and nationals of those countries against which the government has imposed sanction or embargo. 1. Foreign investors with proper documents or documents certified by the officials of the Board of Investments (BOI) or Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) or Ministry of Industry presented at the Airport on the arrival. 2. Foreign delegates invited by Ministries or Division of the Government of Bangladesh to seminars, workshops, or International conventions for only the tenure of the stated event provided written request along with testifying documents satisfies the Immigration Authority. 3. Foreigners directly involve in export oriented establishments with documents & TIN (Tax Identification Number) of the concerned export oriented establishment certified by Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) or Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) or other association of export oriented institutions of Bangladesh. 4. Foreign passport holders of Bangladeshi origin by birth, there children or spouse. 5. Foreign husband/wife of a Bangladesh national. 6. Foreigners with certified documents issued by Tablig Committee, Kakrail Mosque, Dhaka for the purpose of Tablig Jamat and 7. Doctors/Medical team with invitation letter issued by foreign embassies in Bangladesh, United Nations and/or its affiliate organizations for the purpose of emergency treatment and medical care of its officers or employees. In all cases of LP or VOA the following procedures or conditions must be observed : 1. Arriving foreigners must have a return ticket and at least US$ 500.00 endorsed in their passport. 2. Entry-Exit of persons issued with LP/VOA must be through the same airport, and 3. LP/VOA may be issued for a maximum period of 30 (thirty) days unless otherwise stated and will not be extended under any circumstances (nor extendable). The conscious attitude, actions, participation and interactions on the part of the individual traveler directly affect the outcome for all involved. As a thoughtful and responsible traveler there are several things you can do before, during and after your journey to ensure the experience is in line with the values of "ecotourism" and minimize your impact on the host country. It is far easier to simply go on vacation as an uninformed tourist but making the choice to be an informed traveler can have far reaching impacts on the world around us. The more you put into your trip the more you'll get out of it. The following is a code of conduct for responsible travelers. Bangladesh News, business news, Free Advertisement, free Ad, free Ad on the net, buy-sell, buy and sell, Advertisement on the Net, Horoscope, horoscope, IT, ICT, Business, Health, health, Media, TV, Radio, Dhaka News, World News, National News, Bangladesh Media, Betar, Current News, Weather, weather, foreign exchange rate, Foreign Exchange Rate, Education, Foreign Education, Higher Education, Family, Relationship, Sports, sports, Bangladesh Sports, Bangladesh, Bangladesh Politics, Bangladesh Business, Economical news, Update news, International News, Islamic World, Islam and Muslims, Bangladesh History and Heritage, Bangladeshi Muslims, Politics, Bangladeshi Politics, Islam and Media, Human Rights, Sports News, Women, Health, Agriculture, Information Technology news, Education, Literature, dailysangram.com, dailysangram.net , The Daily Sangram, Daily Sangram, Newspaper, Bangladeshi newspaper, Bangladeshi news, Islam, Islamic news, Dhaka, Bangla, bangla, News, news, Bangladesh, bangladesh, Bangladeshi, bangladeshi, Bengali, Culture, Portal Site, Dhaka, textile, garments, micro credit Shrine of Bayazid Bostami This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large pond with several hundred tortoises floating in the water. Ethnological Museum A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh and the world. Court Building Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a magnificent bird's eye view of Chittagong city, particularly at night. Sitakunda About 40 km. from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hindu Temple - one of the oldest temple in the subcontinent and the Buddhist Temple having a footprint of lord Buddha. The Hindus and Buddhists regard these places particularly the hilltops as very sacred. Shiva Chaturdashi festival is held every years in February when thousands pilgrims assemble for the celebration which lasts about ten days. There is a hot water spring 5/km. to the north of Sitakunda. KAPTAI A pleasant and picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chitagong brings you to huge expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with tropical forest. It is the famous man made Kaptai lake (680 sq. km) formed by damming the Kamaphuli river. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong Road lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddist temple having beautiful Buddist statues. Other Places of interest in the Hill Tract districts include Chandraghone, Khagrachari and Bandarban all in picturesque surrounding. Chittagong Hill Tracts Chitagong Hill Tracts is divided into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. This Hill Tracts is divided into four valleys surrounded by the Feni, Kamaphuli, Sangu (Sankhu) and Matamuhuri rivers and their tributaries. The ranges or hills of the Hill Tracts rise steeply thus looking far more impressive than what their height would imply and extend in long narrow ridges. The highest peaks on the northern side are Thangnang, Langliang and Khantiang while those on the southern side are Ramu, Taung, Keekradang (arround 4000 ft, highest in Bangladesh), Mowdok Mual, Rang Tlang and Mowdok Tlang. Most of the tourists are indigenous. Some foreigners also come for recreation. They are mostly from South Korea, United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, United States of America, Canada, Netherlands, Norway, Sri Lanka, Italy, Myanmar, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and many others. The valleys of the Hill Tracts are covered with thick-planted forests. The vegetation in semi-evergreen to tropical evergreen dominated by tall teak trees. The natural vegetation can be seen best in the Rain- khyong valleys of the Bandarban district. This district provides the country with valuable wood used for various purposes, besides supplying wood and bamboo for the Karnaphuli Paper Mills and the Rayon Mills situated at Chandraghona. Here a tourist may be lucky to see how huge logs of wood are being carried to the plain by the tamed elephants. TRIBAL LIFE The inhabitants of the Hill Tracts are mostly tribal. Life of the tribal people is extremely fascinating. Majorities of them are Buddhists and the rest are Hindus, Christians and Animists. Despite the bondage of religion, elements of primitiveness are strongly displayed in their rites, rituals and everyday life. The tribal families are matriarchal. The women-folk are more hardworking than the males and they are the main productive forces. The tribal people are extremely self-reliant, they grow their own food, their girls weave their own clothes and generally speaking, they live a simple life. Each tribe has its own dialect, distinctive dress and rites and rituals. The common feature is their way of life, which still speak of their main occupation. Some of them take pride in hunting with bows and arrows. Tribal women are very skilful in making beautiful handicrafts. Tribal people are generally peace (loving, honest and hospitable. They usually greet a tourist with a smile.