Thousands gather at Ramna Batamul to welcome Bengali New Year
Thousands of Bangalees ushered in Bengali Year 1432 at Ramna Batamul on Monday morning, as Chhayanaut's iconic Pahela Baishakh celebration marked its 58th edition with renewed hope, harmony, and heritage.
This year's theme, "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy", set the tone for a morning filled with soulful expressions of light, love for nature, and deep self-reflection.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Under the shade of the historic banyan tree, Chhayanaut brought together over 150 performers who captivated the audience with 24 thoughtfully curated pieces—9 choral songs, 12 solos, and 3 recitations.
In this morning's event, the chorus performed "Nuton pran dao, pranshokha" while Dipra Nishant rendered the solo "Timir duar kholo". The programme also featured stirring renditions of "Ahoban Shono Ahoban", "Alor Pothojatri", "Amra Ek e Brinte Duti Phool, Hindu Musolman", "Uttal Taley Uttal", and "Shono Shono Deshobashi", culminating in the powerful theme song "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy".
Dr. Sarwar Ali, Executive President of Chhayanaut, addressed the crowd with a stirring call to uphold the core values of Bangladesh's Liberation War. "Remember the spirit of that liberation—peace, non-communal belief, and humanity above all. We freed this country for people of all faiths, castes, and classes. Let us keep that spirit alive—not just in words, but in how we treat each other," he urged.
The 72-foot-wide maroon stage—designed to match the performers' attire—symbolised unity and tradition. Broadcast live on national television and Chhayanaut's digital platforms, the programme followed three months of intense rehearsals and a week of stage preparations at the Chhayanaut Cultural Centre.
For many, the event was both personal and profound. "This is my first time attending this historic event. I used to watch it on television—experiencing it in person is an absolute joy," said Faria, a first-year university student.
Shariful Alam, who attended with his wife and daughter, shared, "Pahela Baishakh is incomplete without Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul. It's a tradition we try to uphold every year."
In a time when divisiveness often dominates the discourse, Chhayanaut's Borsho Boron offered a moment of collective renewal—reaffirming the enduring spirit of Bangalee identity rooted in art, resilience, and unity.
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