Baishakhi Shobhajatra to begin at 9am on Tuesday

The Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University has completed preparations to celebrate Pahela Baishakh with a colourful traditional procession and a series of cultural programmes.

The Baishakhi Shobhajatra will begin at 9:00am on Tuesday under the theme “New Year’s Harmony, Democracy Revival.”

The procession will start from Gate No-3 (north) of the faculty, proceed towards Shahbagh Police Station, pass through Raju Sculpture, the Teacher-Student Centre premises and Doel Chattar, and conclude at the faculty via Bangla Academy.

A festive atmosphere now prevails across the faculty as teachers and students work day and night to finalise preparations. They are constructing large motifs using bamboo, wood and paper, bringing them to life with paint and traditional designs.

In front of Zainul Gallery, students are painting alpana on clay, making masks and depicting images inspired by rural Bengal. Many are also raising funds for the procession by selling their own artwork.

This year’s procession will feature five main motifs drawn from folk traditions- a rooster, dotara, wooden elephant, pigeon and tapa horse - symbolising strength, creativity, peace, glory and dynamism. Organisers said these motifs reflect the depth of Bengal’s cultural heritage.

Prof Md Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, said preserving traditions rooted in the country’s heritage requires collective effort.

He added that this year’s event also highlights contemporary social and cultural messages. He noted that the rooster symbol represents a new awakening, much like the beginning of a new day.

The university administration has issued guidelines for participants. Authorities will allow entry through Nilkhet and Palashi intersections, while they will keep other entry points closed during the procession. Participants must carry identity cards.

Authorities have banned masks, bags, English placards, balloons, festoons and fireworks for security reasons. They have taken strict security measures across the campus, including installing CCTV cameras and archways. They will set up a help desk, control room and temporary medical camp in front of the Teacher-Student Centre, along with mobile public toilets at key locations.

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All activities must end by 5:00pm on Tuesday, after which authorities will close entry to the campus. From the evening of Monday, only vehicles with authorised stickers will be allowed to enter, while all forms of traffic will remain prohibited on Tuesday.

As part of the celebrations, a cultural programme is taking place at Bakultala from 4:00pm to 10:00pm on Monday, featuring folk music, dance and various performances. Jatrapala titled “Bagdatta” and “Debi Sultana” will be staged on 15 and 16 April.