The anti-fascism spirit of last year’s historic uprising was echoed powerfully in this year’s Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra, held to welcome the Bengali New Year 1432. Amid vibrant celebrations and colourful artistry, the procession became a sea of cultural resistance, with the motif titled “Face of Fascism” emerging as its central highlight.

Crafted as a bold visual statement, the "Face of Fascism" motif stood out among seven large, seven medium, and seven small artworks displayed during the procession. Despite a pre-event attack that saw the original bamboo structure set on fire, artists from Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts rebuilt it overnight using cork sheets.

Hundreds of thousands of people from across the country – including members of 28 ethnic communities, students from public and private institutions, and international guests – joined the festivities.

The “Face of Fascism” was the most photographed and talked-about piece of the event.

“I’ve seen this motif all over Facebook in the past few days. Today, I finally got to take a proper photo,” said Shuva Pallabi, one of many visitors navigating the crowd at the Fine Arts premises. Another attendee, Tapan Kumar, echoed the sentiment, calling the motif “a powerful symbol that made this year’s procession unforgettable.”

The colourful rally started from the Faculty of Fine Arts and marched through Shahbagh, TSC, Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy before returning back to its starting place. Traditional elements such as the hilsa fish, tigers, elephants, and the free water distribution motif “Pani Lagbe Pani” added familiar cultural charm, while horse riding at the head of the procession drew additional excitement from onlookers.

Large-scale artworks – including masks, puppets, bamboo tigers, birds, and fish – vividly portrayed rural life and the struggles of people who depend on nature. These displays blended festivity with reflection, emphasising the socio-political undertones of this year’s celebration.

“This year’s New Year was celebrated with great enthusiasm, thanks to everyone’s cooperation, hard work, and sincerity,” said the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University. “We are truly grateful to the artists who brought this event to life.”

More than a New Year’s celebration, Ananda Shobhajatra 1432 became a vibrant canvas of unity, protest, and cultural defiance, reigniting the spirit of the July Movement on the streets of Dhaka.