The much-anticipated Pahela Baishakh rally began at Dhaka University on Tuesday morning, featuring vibrant motifs and rhythmic drumbeats that created a festive atmosphere across the campus.
The procession started at 9:00 am from the Faculty of Fine Arts with the national anthem. Students, teachers, and people from various walks of life joined the celebration, turning the entire campus into a sea of festivity.
From as early as 8:00 am, crowds began gathering at the Fine Arts Faculty premises. Participants dressed in colorful attire joined the procession, while traditional drums and musical instruments added to the celebratory mood.
Around 200 students took part in the procession carrying the national flag of Bangladesh, alongside performances by 35 musicians.
As in previous years, the procession prominently showcased folk traditions and cultural identity. Large handcrafted figures made of bamboo, wood, and colored paper—including a tiger, elephant, peacock, and a mother-and-child figure—added a unique visual appeal to the event.
This year’s theme emphasizes the elimination of evil forces and the journey toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
Five main motifs have been highlighted in this year’s procession: a rooster, a violin (or dotara), a dove, an elephant, and a horse—symbolizing strength, creativity, peace, dignity, and dynamism respectively.
These motifs were prepared in advance at the Faculty’s open grounds, where students built the structures using bamboo and cane before completing them with colorful paint.
bd-pratidin/GR
