Port city ready to celebrate Pahela Baishakh

Preparations for Mangal Shobhajatra in Chattogram are nearly complete as artistes and students of the Institute of Fine Arts at Chittagong University are busy putting their final touches to the papier-mâché structures.

The theme for this year's rally is “Endangered Karnaphuli”.

Replicas of boats, fish and many more will be carried through the rally. Students will also carry different types of traditional dolls and masks.

“On the first day of Bangla new year, everyone expects the bad to go away and the good to prevail. We want Karnaphuli to be freed from pollution and grabbing,” said Naser Foysal, a master's student of fine arts.

The rally will begin on the institute premises in the morning and after roaming Chatteshwari and Kazir Dewri intersections, it will return to the institute. Then some traditional sports events like "Suin-Suta" and "Hari-Bhanga" and "Morog-Lorai" will be held.

After that, a colourful cultural show will continue till the evening. A mime show will be performed at the programme, protesting rape and raising awareness against it.

The programme will conclude with the performance of musical group Khyapa Baul.