Crowds participate in Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra

‘Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra’ began in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University on the morning of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, with the theme “New Year’s Harmony, Fascism’s End”.

Thousands of people from different walks of life participated in this procession.

The procession starts from the Faculty of Fine Arts at 9:00 am on Monday (April 14), which will parade through Shahbagh intersection, TSC intersection, Shaheed Minar, Dhaka University’s physical education center, Doel Chattar, and then end at the Faculty of Fine Arts via the road in front of Bangla Academy.

Teachers and students, people from all walks of life participated in the joyous and colourful procession that began from the Charukola premises around 9:00am.

Among the featured motifs were the “Face of Fascism,” depicting the face of fallen prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and a dove figure symbolising peace.

This year’s procession carries the theme, “New Year’s Harmony, Fascism’s End” designed to capture the spirit of the July uprising and to express solidarity with the people of Palestine.

This time, the procession features various ethnic communities, including Chakma, Marma, Santal, and Garo. Bangladesh’s national women’s football team also joined the procession.

Pahela Baishakh, one of the most colourful festivals in the country, marks the occasion when Bangalees welcome the new year and bid farewell to the old. Symbolising the unity and cultural richness of the nation, the event is celebrated by people regardless of religion, sect, class, or creed.