Shurer Dhara and Channel i usher in Pahela Baishakh

Shurer Dhara and Channel i bid goodbye to the Bangla Year 1423 and ushered in 1424 with grand programmes at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, with support from title sponsor Sunsilk. Abdul Hakim's flute recital on the morning of Pahela Baishakh (April 14) opened the festive proceedings, followed by Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya's solo rendition of “Otho Otho Re”. A thousand singers, including Shurer Dhara members and singers from across the country sang “Ohey Doya Moy” in chorus. Bannya presented six more solos at the event, which was followed by group dance performances and a vocal and guitar concert by Ayub Bachchu and LRB. A fashion show featuring traditional Bangalee attire also took place, as did a Mongol Shobhajatra. Dhaka North City Mayor Annisul Huq was among the dignitaries in attendance, as were a number of foreign diplomats and tourists.

The previous evening, the Chaitra Sangkranti celebrations also continued at the venue from 6:15pm till midnight, on the theme “Bangladesh'e Rabindranath”. The programme began with a documentary on Rabindranath Tagore, following which 40 teachers and artistes of Shurer Dhara performed a medley of Tagore songs. A number of noted personalities also spoke at the programme, interspersed between performances.

The performances were divided in segments – “Jibon-Debota”, “Raag-e Rong-e Rabindranath”, “Robi Baul”, “Kal Mrigoya”, “Rabindranath-er Prem-er Gaan” and “Chhinnopotro”. Guest artistes Mahadeb Ghosh, Bulbul Islam, Mita Haq, Rokaiya Haseena performed songs and poems, while Aupee Karim read from Tagore's works. Play “Achalayatan” was also staged at the programme, while an album of Bannya titled “Shara Bochhorer Gaan” was also launched. Shurer Dhara closed the programme at midnight with the song “Byartho Pran'er Aborjona Puriye Felo”.

A large audience, including eminent personalities like Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla and others enjoyed music, dance and poetry recitals.

Channel i broadcast both days' programmes live.