Published on 12:00 AM, April 12, 2018

Chhayanaut chalks out Pahela Baishakh programmes

Dr. Sanjida Khatun (2-L) speaks at the press conference.

Chhayanaut, one of the most prominent cultural institutions of the country, announced their programmes for this year's Pahela Baishakh celebrations, their 51st edition of the event, at the Ramna Botomuul on April 14.

The disclosures came in a press conference at Chhayanaut, where the organisation's founder and chair Dr. Sanjida Khatun, general secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, executive chairman Dr. Sarwar Ali and deputy chair Khairul Anam Shakil spoke.

Like recent years, the programme will begin at 6:15am with a classical flute recital. The two-hour programme will feature 16 solo songs, 12 chorus songs and two recitations by over 150 artistes. Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will broadcast the event live, while private channels can also use BTV's feed to broadcast it. Chhayanaut's YouTube channel will also live-stream the event.

The entire Ramna area is open to the public except for the Botomuul area which is reserved for the artistes. Different law enforcement agencies will provide adequate security to the proceedings.

Chhayanaut started its journey in the hostile Pakistani rule of 1961 marking the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore, with an aim to kindle the spirit of identity based on our own cultures. As part of their commitment to uphold our cultural values and heritage, their Pahela Baishakh celebration was first held in 1967, and has grown into one of the biggest national and cultural celebrations of Bangalees across the world in the last five decades.