Preparation on to welcome Pahela Baishakh in Ctg

A student gives finishing touch to a mask meant for celebrating the Pahela Baishakh at the Institute of Fine Arts at Chittagong University yesterday.Photo: STAR

The people of the port city are set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh (first day of the Bangla new year 1419). Preparation for the celebration started at the beginning of April.
Students of the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Chittagong, have made large structures of Hilsha fish, owl and many other colourful masks. Many colourful umbrellas are being painted out for Baishakhi rally.
“We did not get much time this year; So, we are making things in a hurry for Mongol Shobha Jatra, a colourful jubilant procession, that will start in the morning of Pahela Baishakh from the Chittagong University campus,” said Kajal Devnath, a teacher of the institute.
“We will try to focus on the tradition of Baishakh through showcasing a huge structure of Hilsha fish and some colourful umbrellas,” he added.
Sommileto Pahela Baishakh Udjapon Parishod' is organising a two-day festival at DC Hill Park premises to observe Pahela Baishakh.
Owners of flower shops are also taking preparation for the day. Many of them already have given orders for flowers in advance for Pahela Baishakh. “Earlier I gave order for different kinds of flowers including roses, gladulous and orchid,” said Ashraf, an owner of flower shop, “Papree”.
The boutique shops in the port city are also displaying their dresses with new collections for Baishakh. “This year I have designed dresses to combine many bright colours,” said Ivy Hasan, a fashion designer and owner of boutique shop Doll's House.
“The people of Chittagong are now more fashionable. Young people observe Pahela Baishakh in a large scale and I have designed 'Sharees' with various colours for young girls,” she added.
To observe Pahela Baishakh, many organisations are taking preparation for Baishakhi fair.
Fulki, a reputed educational institute in the port city, is organising a three-day Baishakhi fair at its premises for all specially children.
“For acquainting our children with our reach culture and tradition, we arrange this fair,” said Shila Momen, principal of Fulki.
“Every year we arrange a fair on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh and children pass their all day in the fair,” said Abul Momen, secretary of Trusty Board of Fulki.
“This year the main attraction for all is that, the fair will be inaugurated by Musa Ibrahim, first Bangladeshi to conquer the Everest,” he added.
All sweet vendors are also taking preparation on the occasion of the event and many make-shift shops are being set up for the day.