Country set to ring in Bangla New Year

Caught in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic during the last two years, Bangladeshis were forced to commemorate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar, with low-key celebrations that were mostly confined to their homes.

But this time, the country is set to emerge from the shadows of the pandemic and mark the day with customary gusto as the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced full-scale celebrations to ring in Bangla New Year 1429.

Chhayanaut is set to hold its flagship curtain-raising event at dawn while preparations are in full swing at Dhaka University's Institute of Fine Arts for the fully-fledged return of the colourful Mongol Shobhajatra, a thematic parade that ushers in New Year, reports bdnews24.com.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ebb away in Bangladesh, the authorities are planning to expand Mongol Shobhajatra, declared a UNESCO cultural heritage in 2016, to district and upazila levels.

Baishakhi fairs will also be hosted across the country. However, revellers must comply with health and safety directives to minimise the risk of COVID-19.

Local administrations are also organising a quiz competition, focusing on New Year and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with cultural programmes and folk fairs bedecked with colourful decorations, according to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Laisa Ahmad Lisa, general secretary of Chhayanaut, said the organisation will be celebrating Pahela Baishakh with an array of cultural programmes at the Ramna Batamul starting at 06:00 am with the motto of "Nobo Anonde Jago" (Awaken to renewed joy).

Students have been preparing for a few weeks at DU's Institute of Fine Arts for Mongol Shobhajatra, even putting up some artworks on display for sale.

During a visit to the campus on Wednesday, the news agency reporter found a group of students engaged in ceramic artwork, drawing fishes, flowers and other motifs in front of the Zainul Gallery while another group was beautifying festival masks based on different themes, including animals such as lions and tigers.

This year's procession will feature five motifs, represented by a large-scale replica of a horse alongside other handcrafted clay figurines and traditional artefacts, all of which are being crafted by artisans under the guidance of students.

Nisar Hossain, the dean of the fine arts institute, said the organisers are unwilling to put a limit on the number of participants in this year's procession. Anyone can take part in the parade as long as they follow the health guidelines.

The procession will kick off at 09:00 am as usual. "It will start from the TSC intersection before weaving its way to the residence of Dhaka University's vice-chancellor. It will later come to an end at the TSC," he said.

The Cultural Affairs Ministry said the authorities are emphasising public security at the procession and Ramna Batamul to ensure the participation of ordinary people in the festivities.

A number of government organisations will hold programmes to celebrate the Bangla New Year, including the Bangla Academy, Kabi Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh National Museum and many more. The Bangladesh missions in foreign countries will also host events to commemorate the day.