The Chittagong University (CU) campus has come alive with the colours of Baishakh as students put final touches on decorations, alpona, and cultural programmes to welcome the Bengali New Year.
After 15 long years, the Fine Arts Institute’s participation on campus has added a new dimension to this year’s celebrations, bringing an extra festive spirit, students and faculty said.
Under the slogan “Come, awaken to new joy in the festival of life,” students have been working continuously across the campus. Some are putting final touches on alpona, while others are busy building structures featuring motifs of birds, horses, fish, and various folk art designs.
Cultural programmes are also being prepared, with market stalls already set up. The festivities will include puppet shows, kabaddi, traditional games, and various other attractions.
First-year students of the Fine Arts Institute have shown extra enthusiasm, considering themselves fortunate to participate directly in campus arrangements after a long time.
“We first-year students have started our classes on campus. We feel very happy to be able to work on Baishakh preparations on campus,” said Abu Bakar Siddique, a first-year student.
After long being confined to city-centric events, students are expressing joy at celebrating Baishakh on campus in their own way.
“When we were in the city, we used to organise programmes with everyone from the city. Now that we are on campus, we are doing it differently. Celebrating Baishakh on our own campus feels uniquely special,” said Mostakim Billah, a fourth-year student.
Students are busy with last-minute preparations and are optimistic about completing their work.
Khandkar Masrul Al Fahim, VP of the Shilpi Rashid Chowdhury Hostel Council, said, “After 15 long years, we have returned to the Fine Arts Institute campus. I hope we will celebrate this Baishakh in a festive atmosphere with everyone.”
Fine Arts Institute Director Taslima Akhtar said the institute and university are celebrating the New Year together centrally. “Our rally will feature folk birds, folk horses, and hilsa fish. We have cultural programmes and various events throughout the day across the entire campus,” she said.
The university administration has made special preparations for security and vehicle control. Proctor Professor Dr. Hossain Shaheed Sarwardi said 50 police members, 40 BNCC members, and 10 Rover Scouts will be on duty. No outsider vehicles will be allowed on campus, though e-carts, rickshaws, and CNG auto-rickshaws will be permitted up to specified boundaries.
