RU readies for Pahela Baishakh celebration

Different departments and cultural organisations at Rajshahi University are making their last-minute preparations to add diversity to the celebration of Bangla New Year 1419 tomorrow.
As in previous years, the arrangements of the fine arts department are expected to attract the festival goers most this Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year.
"Students are busy creating different things, which display the culture and traditions of Bangalee, to hold a three-day fair", said Prof Bilkis Begum, chairperson of the department.
The fair will showcase Bangalee artefacts and crafts, masks, replicas of animals and fishes including Bengal tiger, deer, Hilsha fish, and colourful umbrellas, she said.
Prof Bilkis said that in addition, folk songs, including Gambhira of Chapainawabganj, band shows, dances and short drama will add delight to the fair at Charu Chatter.
Sourab Ahmed, a master's student of the department, said, "We are yet to be prepared completely though we started last week".
The music and drama department is also preparing to play its part in the celebration.
"We will stage dramas and songs at different points on the campus, where students and teachers will display Bangalee outfits", said Faruq Hossain, a teacher of the department.
The marketing department and its cultural organisation, Bibortan, will jointly organise folk music and band shows, while the pharmacy department will hold a cartoon exhibition.
The departments of mass communication and journalism, public administration, management, folklore, Bangla, law and justice, anthropology, philosophy, political science, animal husbandry and zoology will arrange cultural events and exhibitions of food, clothes, and ornaments.
Kendrio Sangskritik Jote has planned a two-day cultural programme at Folklore Chatter, while Group of Liberal Debaters (GOLD), a debating club, will arrange a mock debate.
Voluntary blood donation group Badhon and Swajan will arrange Panta (cooked rice soaked in water) and Pitha (cake) festival on the campus.
On the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the Rajshahi University campus turns to be a festival ground with the presence of thousands of visitors every year.