Pahela Boishakh celebrations at Ramna Batamul 'The Bangladeshi Nation' celebrated Pahela Boishakh, first day of the Bengali New Year ---1432, on Monday with unparalleled festivity, vibrant processions, and deep cultural significance- marking the first time in over a decade that celebrations lasted from dawn to nightfall.
During the previous fascist regime under the Awami League, Pahela Boishakh celebrations were restricted to 5:00 Pm due to security crackdowns.
However, this year, a liberated Bangladesh saw people from all walks of life, communities, and ethnicities joining hands to celebrate the occasion in their own unique ways.
The capital city Dhaka witnessed a carnival of colours, with key spots bustling with cultural activities and music.
The centre of attraction on the day was the 'Borshoboron Anondo Shovajatra', a vibrant New Year procession that began from the Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola) at Dhaka University.
Previously known as 'Mongol Shovajatra' during the authoritarian era, the procession returned to its roots, celebrating cultural freedom.
This year's procession featured motifs representing traditional Bengali heritage such as Nakshikantha, Shataranji, portrait of initiator of modern Bangla Calendar Mughal Emperor Akbar, and folklore characters like Behula-Lakhindar, Banbibi, Royal Bengal Tiger, Hilsa Fish, Pigeon and many others.
A striking and symbolic addition was a 'Fascist Monster' motif, resembling the ousted dictator Sheikh Hasina, reflecting the people's resistance and reclaiming of artistic freedom.
According to Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the original fascist monster motif-created by Charukola students-was vandalised by miscreants.
"But within 24 hours, our students rebuilt it from scratch, reflecting the unbreakable spirit of our youth," Farooki said.
He said, "For the first time in the last fifteen years, people across the country participated in the New Year rallies without fear or restrictions. The spirit of unity and resistance is alive again."
Apart from the morning procession, Ramna Batamul saw a revival of traditional Boishakhi performances.
Cultural artists performed timeless folk songs and dances, creating an atmosphere rich in heritage and celebration.
The ministry of cultural affairs also organised another major event at Manik Mia Avenue, while in front of the National Parliament, a grand Boishakhi Concert was held, culminating in a spectacular laser show themed on the July-August Uprising of 2024, with support from the Chinese government.
The laser display became the centerpiece of the evening as thousands gathered to witness the commemoration of the revolution that brought down the previous regime.
The sky lit up with holographic images honoring martyrs Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, and others who sacrificed their lives for a free and democratic Bangladesh.
The Rabindra Sarobar area in Dhanmondi was also packed with enthusiastic crowds enjoying concerts, poetry recitation, and cultural programmes.
City traffic was heavily congested throughout the day, with battery-run rickshaws dominating the streets.
Despite the metro rail service remaining open, overcrowding caused delays and inconvenience to many travellers.
The Dhaka University area alone saw over half a million visitors who came to join the day's jubilant celebrations.
Interim government's Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation in a New Year message, emphasising unity, renewal, and the values of the mass uprising.
"The mass uprising of 2024 has given us the chance to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. Let this be our commitment this New Year," he said.
"Pahela Boishakh is a day of unity and harmony. Let us move forward together, shedding the sorrows and injustices of the past, and embrace the future with renewed energy," he said.
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman also conveyed greetings in his verified Facebook post on Sunday.
"The celebration of Pahela Boishakh is an essential part of our national identity and heritage. It rekindles the spirit of renewal, reminding us of our rich culture and the timeless resilience of our people," he said.
He said: "As we celebrate the Bengali New Year, we must now build a vibrant democracy rooted in the people's liberal values, culture, and diverse opinions."
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and NCP convener Nahid Islam also delivered goodwill messages, emphasising national unity, cultural pride, and the spirit of the democratic transitions.
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