Capital set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh

Artists of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University give the finishing touches to a sculpture which will join others in today's Mongol Shobha Jatra, a procession brought out by the faculty's students and teachers marking Pahela Baishakh every year, from the faculty at 9:00am. Photo: Amran Hossain

Pahela Baishakh, the most popular and secular festivals for Banglaees worldwide welcoming the Bangla New Year, will be celebrated in the capital today through lively pageants, leaving behind the past's gloom and pledging to uphold the nation's cultural heritage.
At 6:15am, with the first light appearing in the sky, Chhayanaut will begin its flagship Borshoboron programme in the capital's Ramna Batamul with recitations and rendition of songs by Panchokobi, and patriotic and movement songs.
Celebrations would remain incomplete without the Mongol Shobha Jatra, a colorful procession brought out by students and teachers of Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts.
This year the procession, themed “Rajakar Mukto Bangladesh, Muktijuddho Onihshesh” in line with the Shahbagh youths, will start from the faculty at 9:00am.
In observance of Chaitra Sangkranti, the Bangla calendar's last day, and Pahela Baishakh, Surer Dhara and Channel i began celebrations titled “Hajar-o Konthe Koti Bangali'r Borsho Boron” at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre from midday yesterday and the programme is set to continue till noon today.
Geetshudha will organise a musical programme at Sampan Restaurant, Dhanmondi 27 at 6:30am while Sargam Lalitkala Academy will organise another, “Esho Hey Baishakh”, at Suchana Community Centre in Mohammadpur Ring Road at 8:00am.
Wrishij Shilpi Goshthi will hold a programme, “Jago Nobo Anondey” at the venue adjacent to Suhrawardy Udyan.