Ushering in Pahela Baishakh in the capital

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed 

Zahangir Alom

Marking Chaitra Sangkranti, the last day of the Bangla year 1422, and Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year 1423, leading cultural organisations and schools like Chhayanaut, Faculty of Fine Art (FFA) of University of Dhaka (DU), Shurer Dhara and Bengal Foundation ushered in Noboborsho through various programmes.
Chhayanaut, the founder of ushering in Pahela Baishakh with a dawn time cultural programme at Ramna Botomul, began the celebrations this year with the theme “Humanity”. The programme set off with a duet rendition of a morning Raga Gunkeli. The event also featured presentation of 12 choral songs like “Anandadhwani Jagao Gagoney”, “Oi Mohamanob Ashey” and “Manush Bhojle Shonar Manush Hobi”; 15 solo songs and three recitations.
The Mongol Shobha Jatra, a procession brought out by the students, alumni and teachers of the FFA, DU with people from all walks of life, has become an integral part of Pahela Baishakh, the biggest celebration in secular Bangla culture. Mongol Shobha Jatra took the Dhaka streets with the giant structures of mother and child, shampan, ox, horse, tepa putul, birds, elephants coupled with colourful masks of king and queen, tiger, owl and many other folk motifs.
Shurer Dhara held a Chaitra Sangkranti programme and Hajaro Konthe Borshoboron at the open premises of Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. The programme featured songs from four lyrical dramas: “Mymensingh Geetika”, Rabindranath Tagore's “Mayar Khela”, “Hingshute Doitto” for children and another tale of Parshuram together with dance recital on the theme Noborosh and recitation.
Rezwana Choudhury Bannya has planned the programme. The organisation ushered in Bangla year 1423 with a choral rendition of Tagore song “Otho Otho Re”. Many other artistes took part in the celebrations, jointly arranged by Shurer Dhara and Channel i.
Bengal Foundation hailed Bangla New Year in a five-day (April 9-13) music festival at Bengal Shilpalaya, Dhanmondi featuring performance of  Nazrul Sangeet, Rabindra Sangeet, the Three Poets' compositions and raga-based songs, folk music and classical music by noted and promising singers of Bangladesh.
Besides, Wrishij Shilpi Goshthi arranged a programme in front of Shishu Park; Mojo Baishakhi concert was held at Maul Chattar, DU and prominent bands performed at Abahoni Maath, Dhanmondi.