The Bengali New Year began at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka on Tuesday with dawn performances as Chhayanaut staged its annual cultural programme, marking the occasion with songs, recitations and a message of cultural unity.
The celebration began at 6:15am with the choral rendition of ‘Jaago Aalok Lagane’. This year’s theme is ‘Chitto Jetha Bhoyshunyo, Uchcho Jetha Shir’ which means ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear’.
Large crowds of visitors and cultural enthusiasts gathered at Ramna Batamul as the area turned festive. The programme continues its long-standing tradition of promoting cultural consciousness and non-communal values through music and performance.
The event features songs by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Lalon Sai, Dwijendralal Ray, Ajoy Bhattacharya, Abdul Latif and Jyotirindro Moitra, along with folk songs.
A total of 22 songs are included in today’s programme, with eight group songs and 14 solo performances. There are also two recitations. Around 200 performers, including students from Chhayanaut’s children’s wing as well as teachers and established artists, are taking part.
The cultural organisation Chhayanaut has been organising this Pohela Baishakh programme at Ramna Batamul since 1967. Over time, it has become a unified celebration for people of all religions and backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the country marked the arrival of 1433 Bangla year at dawn, with nationwide celebrations. People welcomed the new year, leaving behind the fatigue, sorrow and grief of the past year, embracing renewed hope. Pohela Baishakh has become a symbol of non-communal spirit and cultural unity.
As part of the celebrations, a colourful Pohela Baishakh procession is set to be brought out from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. This year’s procession features five main motifs—rooster, violin, pigeon, elephant and horse—symbolising strength, creativity, peace, dignity and dynamism.
Organisers said the large installations made of bamboo, wood and coloured paper represent the triumph of good over evil and a hopeful future. Around 200 students will carry the national flag in the procession, while 35 instrumentalists will perform flute and dotara music to the tune of ‘Eso He Boishakh’.
