A two-day cultural festival celebrating “Chaitra Sankranti” and “Bengali New Year 1432” started at Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Sunday afternoon.

The event is jointly organised by the Department of Drama and Dramatics of JU and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Mrtt Mônch, located in front of the university’s Old Fine Arts Building. The event was inaugurated by JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Hasan.

Speaking at the event, the vice-chancellor said, “On the occasion of the Bengali New Year, various departments and administrative bodies of Jahangirnagar University have undertaken a number of initiatives. One of today’s notable performances was Byanger Pan-Chini (The Frog’s Betel Leaf and Sugar), which reflects the spirit of nature and life. In celebrating the New Year, we urge everyone to embrace love, not hatred, and foster a spirit of humanity.”

The day's festivities, focusing on Chaitra Sankranti, included traditional stick play (Lathi Khela), water-colour game, Byanger Pan-Chini rendition, Sankranti rituals, recitations, releasing of lamps, and folk as well as spiritual music performances.

In a joint statement, Professor Dr Fahmida Akhter, chairperson of the Department of Drama and Dramatics, and Professor Dr Md Ashraful Habib, convener of the New Year Celebration Committee, said, “The Bengali New Year does not merely mark a change of calendar—it is a universal celebration of unity for Bengalis. We hope this festival spreads messages of joy, peace, and humanity among all.”