CU, JnU gear up for Pahela Baishakh celebrations

After a hiatus of six years, the spirit of Pahela Baishakh has returned to the University of Chittagong (CU), with students of the Institute of Fine Arts taking the lead in organising this year’s celebrations.

The campus is once again abuzz with preparations to welcome the Bangla New Year, as students gear up to celebrate one of the most inclusive and widely cherished festivals of Bengali culture.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and prolonged campus closures during Ramadan in previous years, Pahela Baishakh celebrations remained largely absent at CU. As a result, students were deprived of one of the most vibrant cultural events on campus.

The absence of the Institute of Fine Arts’ on-campus activities also contributed to the lack of a festive atmosphere in recent years.

This year, however, the stagnation has been overcome, with renewed enthusiasm reflecting a joint effort by the university administration and fine arts students. Decorative lighting has already been set up across different parts of the campus, adding a festive touch to the environment.

With Pahela Baishakh approaching, students of CU, including those from the fine arts institute, are actively engaged in final preparations. Teams of students were seen working on various aspects of the celebration at the institute premises on April 11.

Some were busy crafting motifs, others painting, while many were involved in executing overall plans. Former students and teachers were also present, offering guidance and support.

According to students, five large motifs are being prepared for this year’s procession: an elephant, a traditional clay toy horse, a dove, a rooster, and a dotara. Each of these represents elements of Bengali heritage, culture, and rural life.

CU Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Kamal Uddin said that a budget of Tk 360,000 has been allocated for the activities of fine arts students on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, alongside additional related expenses.

He added that while various events have been planned, animal-related performances, including monkey shows, have been excluded, considering animal welfare. He expressed hope that students will be able to celebrate the festival smoothly and joyfully.

Mohammad Sohel, a student from the 2021–22 session, said, “After a long gap, we are finally getting the opportunity to celebrate Baishakh on our beloved campus. It is a matter of great joy and pride for us. We hope this year’s celebration will be vibrant and memorable through the combined efforts of the administration and students.”

Jamil Hossain, from the 2022–23 session, said, “Baishakh is the most vibrant festival for Bengalis. The return of this celebration on campus after a long time is truly exciting for all of us. We want to celebrate it together and present our culture and heritage in the most beautiful way possible.”

Meanwhile, preparations are underway at Jagannath University (JnU) for a daylong series of programmes marking Pahela Baishakh, featuring a Baishakhi fair, cultural performances, a concert, and an art competition.

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Students were seen busy with last-minute preparations in a festive atmosphere during a visit to different parts of the campus, including the Shanto Chattar and the Faculty of Fine Arts, today.

According to university sources, the celebrations will begin at 8:00am with a children’s drawing competition in front of Rafiq Building. At 9:30am, a Baishakhi procession will start from the Shaheed Minar premises, parade across the campus, and pass through Victoria Park and Ray Shaheb Bazar before returning.

Following the procession, a discussion will be held at 10:30am. Cultural programmes organised by different departments and student bodies will begin at 11:00am. The day’s events will conclude with a folk music performance by the band Lalon from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Debabrata Bhowmik Durjoy, a student of the Department of Sculpture and Design from the 2021–22 academic session, said, “Bangla New Year is an ancient tradition of ours. We are completing all preparations keeping that heritage in mind. This year’s celebration at Jagannath University will be a remarkable one.”

Takrim Ahmed, cultural secretary of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUcsu), said preparations are progressing well and student participation has been encouraging.

“There was initially a budget constraint, but it was later increased after discussions with the vice-chancellor.

Prof Bazlur Rashid Khan, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, said, “We hope to arrange well-organised celebration with active participation from students.”

On overall security, Proctor Prof Mohammad Nasir Uddin said all necessary measures are being taken. “We are fully alert to ensure safety. Law enforcement agencies will remain on standby to prevent any untoward incidents,” he added.

Our correspondents from CU and JnU contributed to this report.