JU gears up for Pahela Baishakh with vibrant motifs, strict procession rules

The culture of Pahela Baishakh, or Bengali New Year, is
nearly 450 years old. As the celebration is upon us, Jahangirnagar University
(JU) is abuzz with last-minute preparations to welcome the Bengali New Year 1433
under the theme "Unity of the New Year, Revival of Democracy."
Across
the campus, students from fine arts, drama and dramatics, and other departments
are working around the clock. At the old arts building, they were seen making
banners, festoons and colourful motifs.
Some
students were painting earthen pots and clay jars, while others created murals
reflecting local culture. Drama and dramatics students were also busy
rehearsing Vaishnava Padabali.
Preparations are also underway at the new arts, social
sciences and science faculties. Students were seen crafting large motifs using
paper and paste and shaping them into figures for the procession.
This
year's procession will feature a locomotive horse and a bull as central motifs.
Other elements include birds symbolising freedom, smaller horse figures, and
masks of a king and queen.
Fine
arts student Sadia Noor said they are using paper paste and coloured paper for
the designs. She added that everyone is busy with the final preparations.
Inside
the faculty, students were also making painted paper items, clay pots, festoons
and masks. Some of these items are being sold at stalls on the premises.
According to a university notice, the main programme on 14 April will begin at
8:15am with a greeting exchange at the vice-chancellor's residence.
At
10:15am, a lamp-lighting ceremony and chorus performance will be held at the
Mrit Mancha near the old arts building. A Baishakhi procession will follow at
10:30am.
The
procession, supervised by the fine arts faculty, will parade across the campus
and end at Selim Al Deen Muktamancha.
The
university administration has banned wearing masks during the procession.
However, festoons and placards will be allowed.
Throwing
colours has also been prohibited, and violations may lead to disciplinary
action. All programmes must conclude by 10pm, the notice said.
Among
the key attractions is "Bang er Panichini," organised by the arts and
humanities faculty.
The
drama and dramatics department will stage puppet shows, jatra, Ramayan songs,
padabali kirtan and ventriloquism. The Bangla department will arrange a
Baishakhi food festival, folk games and cultural performances by teachers.
On
13 April, the students' union will organise traditional boat racing and a
banana tree climbing competition.
The
university's Women's Club will hold a three-day Baishakhi fair from 13 to 15
April at Koltan Bidya Niketan ground. The vice-chancellor will inaugurate the
fair on 13 April morning.
On
14 April, "Halkhata and Mistimukh" will be held in the afternoon,
followed by a concert by the band Bengal Symphony at night.
Md
Firdaus, convener of the fine arts faculty's organising committee, said
preparations are progressing well despite time constraints due to Ramadan and
Eid holidays.
Professor
Dr Md Jamal Uddin Runu said the event is being organised on a limited budget
this year. He added that JU expects to celebrate Pahela Baishakh in a festive
spirit with participation from all.
















