Chhayanaut

The Chhayanaut (Bengali: ছায়ানট) is an institution devoted to Bengali culture, founded in Bangladesh in 1961. As in the case of many similar organizations, it was established during Pakistani rule in Bangladesh to promote and nurture the cultural and musical heritage of Bengal. Every year, Chhayanaut arranges activities in order to celebrate the Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bengali new year.

Chhayanaut hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. These include the Nababarsha or 'Bengali New Year' celebration held beneath the Banyan Tree at Ramna, commemorations of various national holidays, festivals dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam including their birth and death anniversaries, as well as seasonal programs. Additionally, they organize folklore and folk music festivals, theatre festivals, dance ceremonies, and speeches by esteemed experts. Among their regular activities, Chhayanaut operates a music center and a cultural and general education school called "Nalanda." They also conduct a program called "Shikhad" to introduce children to Bengali culture. They have initiatives to provide activities for autistic babies as well as the elderly. Furthermore, they publish a Bengali quarterly magazine titled "Bangladesher Hridoy Hote" that focuses on literature and culture.

In 1964, on the occasion of Bengali new year 1371, Chhayanaut began celebrating Bengali New Year under the banyan tree at Ramna Park. Over time, this celebration grew into a major national cultural event. Chhayanaut also organizes programs to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore (25th Boishakh and 22nd Srabon), as well as seasonal festivals like Autumn and Spring Festival.