Pohela Baishakh celebrations: Manik Mia Avenue adorned with alpona

The unveiling ceremony of "Alponay Baishakh 1425" was held on Manik Mia Avenue Friday night, marking Bangla New Year 1425. Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury inaugurated the drawing of a 1.5km long motif on the avenue, where Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was also present as the special guest. Drawing of the motif continued until dawn of Saturday. Sponsored by Berger Paints, Asiatic EXP organized the event, said a press release. Over 300 artists including students from different parts of the city attended the event. "Nababarsha is the source of life of Bangali culture. Through this, we will move forward with new initiatives," said the Speaker. This Baishakh is very important for the people of the country as Bangladesh is now a developing country, she said. The cultural minister said: "Bangladesh is a non-communal country and our people are rich in cultural consciousness." Among others, Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd Managing Director Rupali Chowdhury, Asiatic 360 Vice Chairperson Sara Zaker and renowned painter Mohammad Moniruzzaman were present.