COLTS NECK, NJ | May 9, 2026 – The Bangladesh Association of New Jersey (BANJ) hosted its highly anticipated 2026 Probashe Borshoboron program on Saturday, May 9, transforming Colts Neck High School into a colorful hub of Bengali heritage and culture. The event, celebrating the arrival of the Bengali New Year, brought together families and community members for a day of music, dance, and traditional festivities.
The Baishakhi Fair started at 2:00 PM, followed by the formal celebration at 6:00 PM with the iconic Mongol Jatra, a traditional "procession of good well-wishing" featuring live performances. This was followed by an official welcome from General Secretary Reena Amanullah, who served as the primary presenter for the evening, and a keynote address by President Faizur Rahman.
The evening was structured into a series of diverse cultural segments showcasing both local talent and the rich artistic tapestry of Bangladesh:
• Youth & Ensemble: A massive Children’s Program featuring a 14-microphone ensemble brought energy to the stage, while the BANJ Chorus delivered a powerful performance involving 20 vocalists, harmoniums, and tablas.
• Soloists: Captivating solo vocal performances by Farshad and Tanzila blended modern styles with traditional instruments. Solo dance performances by Amanda, Nashita, and Suborna Khan highlighted different styles of rhythmic storytelling.
• "Ronggini": One of the major attractions was the captivating dance performance titled “Ronggini,” presented by talented young adults performers of the new generation. Their vibrant and energetic dance moves brought life and excitement to the entire event. The performers included Nashita Azam, Barisha Ali, Sarina Rahman, Melissa Ali, Lamissa Prova, and Ayesha Mamun, whose passion and confidence earned loud applause from the audience. The choreography for this memorable performance was beautifully crafted by Nashita, Sarina, and Lamissa, showcasing the creativity and dedication of the new generation of performers.
• Shristy Academy: Dancers from the local Shristy Academy rocked the stage with colorful costumes and synchronized sequences, demonstrating their commitment to promoting cultural arts within the community.
A delightful highlight of the event was the traditional Pitha Utshob. The festival showcased a variety of homemade Bengali sweets and rice cakes, including patishapta, puli pitha, bhapa pitha, and chitoi pitha. The aroma and presentation allowed attendees to experience the authentic essence of rural heritage.
The program also featured a harmonious adult chorus performance. During this segment, Dr. Faruque Azam presented a reflective Narrative description (Dhara Bornoona), interweaving expressive poetic recitations between musical passages to add a meaningful narrative layer to the performance.
Beyond the performances, the event served as a vital touchpoint for the Bengali diaspora. The BANJ Executive Program allowed community leaders to connect with attendees, and a dedicated segment was held to "Meet the Sponsors," acknowledging the local support that makes such large-scale cultural preservation possible.
"Probashe Borshoboron is more than just a festival; it's a bridge that connects us to our roots while allowing us to share our rich culture with the wider community," said Faizur Rahman, President of BANJ.
The highlight of the evening arrived at 10:00 PM when Dr. Faroque Azam introduced the night’s featured artist, the renowned Ronty Das. Dr. Azam traced her journey from her 2002 debut on BTV’s Notun Kuri to her 2006 success as the second runner-up in Close Up 1.
Ronty Das, a celebrated playback singer, shared a lighthearted moment with the audience regarding her love for cooking, but the crowd agreed that the community would have missed the "taste" of her exquisite melody had she chosen the kitchen over the stage. Her soulful performance provided a soaring conclusion to the festivities.
The night concluded with a special performance and closing remarks by Reena Amanullah, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of community. BANJ continues to host cultural events and social initiatives throughout the year to support the Bangladeshi-American community in New Jersey.
