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.