For all latest news, follow the Daily Sun's Google News channel.
A fine arts student at Dhaka University carefully arranges a vibrant array of hand-painted masks in preparation for the Pahela Baishakh celebrations. -SM Mostafijur Rahman
The Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University has transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as students and teachers rush to finalise preparations for Pahela Baishakh 1433.
With the Bengali New Year just days away, the campus is alive with the sounds of bamboo being cut and the sight of bright pigments being applied to elaborate folk motifs.
Students and teachers were seen working together to prepare face masks and other key items for the celebration. The theme for 1433 is “Noboborsher Oikotan, Gonotontrer Punorutthan” (Harmony of the New Year, Resurgence of Democracy).
Organisers emphasise that this year’s celebrations aim to provide a “new beginning,” highlighting secular values, freedom of expression, and participation of all 28 ethnic groups from across the country.
According to the university’s Public Relations Office, the procession will commence at 9am from the Faculty of Fine Arts, passing Raju Sculpture, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy, before returning to the campus.
Strict security measures will be enforced. Attendees are prohibited from wearing masks or carrying bags, though symbolic masks made by the Faculty of Fine Arts may be carried by hand. The use or sale of vuvuzelas is banned to maintain order. All programmes must conclude by 5pm, after which public entry to the campus will be restricted.
Professor Dr Md Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, said, “Our preparations are progressing smoothly. We are striving to organise the event following traditional norms, despite limited time this year. Due to the Eid holidays and other factors, those involved had less time to work, but we hope there will be no issues.”
He added that the renaming from Mangal Shobhajatra to Ananda Shobhajatra last year, and now to Baishakhi Shobhajatra, was a collective decision.
“Everyone’s opinion was taken into account. There will be no change to the core essence of the Pohela Baishakh festivities. The state has the authority to make such decisions, and we view this change positively,” he said.