‘Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra’ ends

‘Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra’ that 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”, came to an end.

People from all walks of life—regardless of religion, caste, or creed—gathered in colourful traditional attire from early morning to welcome the Bengali New Year. Their participation marked the formal beginning of the procession.

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

The procession was accompanied by patriotic songs performed by 30 artists with various musical instruments.

The Fine Arts premises has been decorated colourfully for the procession. The area has been bustling with people since morning.

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.