#BaishakhHokShobar

Every year, people embrace the Bengali New Year by wearing traditional clothes, singing songs, going to Ramna park and participating in the huge Mongol Shobhajatra. It is believed that Bangla Noboborsho ushers in hope, attached to a nostalgic notion of the past, blended with the optimism of what could be. On this day, activities are luxuries that only the semi-rich to rich segments of our population can participate in. However, the contemplative moments involving the future have no space for a band of population that is stuck in the lower end of the economic spectrum. Wheat does this day means to the poor and the underprivileged people in this society? One country, one nation, and one celebration – but this festive occasion is essentially meaningless to this population of our country. An elderly lady who sells traditional bangles made of glass, will still sell bangles on that day around Charukola Institute or near Ramna park. A rickshaw puller does not have the luxury to put his rickshaw in a garage, and take his family out to enjoy Noboborsho. While we are busy shopping for new saris or panjabis from designer outlets, street children have to be satisfied with just staring at them. So this year, VISAThing! has decided to come up with a video conveying the message that people need to do something for those underprivileged ones, so that this Pohela Boishakh becomes a little special for them. People can simply do this by giving away their old clothes (saris, panjabis or shirts) that have been sitting in their closets, unused for a long time. If people give away one of their old saris, it will probably be a negligible change in their wardrobes, but it will make a huge difference to an elderly woman who collects empty bottles and sells them in order to make a living. One piece of clothing, one good healthy meal, or some money will make a significant difference in the lives of these people. Hence, for the sake of humanity, people should come forward and donate a portion of what they have. You can watch this video on YouTube titled BaishakhHokShobar, or find this video on the Facebok page of VISAThing! as well. VISAThing! also encourages everyone to share the contributions and post it on their page with the caption #BaishakhHokShobar (in Bengali), so that their team can share this with their followers to inspire others. On top of that, the VISAThing! team will honour five people who click the best pictures with the individuals they have helped.