Festive spirit engulfs DU, adjacent places on Pahela Baishakh
Thousands of people from all walks of life thronged the Dhaka University (DU) campus on Monday to welcome the Bangal New Year 1432 in a lively celebration marked by colours, music, and cultural festivities.
From early morning, the campus turned into a festive ground as students, cultural activists, and visitors gathered at different venues—particularly the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), and Bottala—to celebrate Pahela Boishakh.
‘Ananda Shobhajatra’, arranged by the Faculty of Fine Arts was brought at 9 am showcasing large symbolic motifs, colourful masks, and art installations.
With large motifs, various designs by artists, and presentations of art from various ethnic groups, this procession became a symbol of national unity. People of all age groups participated in it with joy and enthusiasm singing “Esho He Baishakh.”.
Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed his thanks to everyone at an event of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) for successful arrangement of the event.
He said, “We never held such a big arrangement before. Grateful to all for making the ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ successful.”
Different departments and student organisations of the university arranged cultural programmes throughout the day.
Traditional music, dance performances, and recitations enlivened the campus while the university authorities arranged lunch in the dormitories to mark the occasion.
Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad hosted a ‘Panta Bhoj’—a traditional meal of fermented rice and fried hilsa—under the iconic Bottala tree.
Besides, traditional amusement rides like Nagordola and toy trains entertained children.
Young men and women dressed in colourful sarees and panjabis flooded the campus, adding to the day’s vibrancy.
Street vendors offered a variety of traditional accessories—bindis, bangles, earrings, floral hairpieces, and more—while children enjoyed toys like whirligigs, flutes, balloons, and pinwheels.
Many seized the occasion to capture moments with festive-themed photoshoots.
DU student Nafisa Nuzhat said she was enjoying every bit of the celebration.
"I could buy beautiful accessories at reasonable prices. Many vendors are offering discounts today," she said.
Visitor Imran Hossain, who came with his family, said, "It feels great to be here. The festive atmosphere is really uplifting."
Nafis Raihan, another visitor from Old Dhaka said, "This is the first Pahela Boishakh after the fall of autocracy. The ‘Shobhajatra’ was more inclusive this year, representing voices from all sections. Our only hope is that the new year brings peace and development, and that fascism never returns to our country."