A gentle farewell breeze of Chaitra is flowing across the capital, as the country prepares to welcome a new year with fresh hope. Shedding the burdens of the past, people are getting ready to celebrate Bangla New Year 1433. At the heart of the preparation is the University of Dhaka’s Faculty of Fine Arts, where students and teachers are working tirelessly.
Like every year, the biggest attraction of Pohela Boishakh is the colorful procession. The Fine Arts faculty has turned into a vibrant workspace filled with creativity. Everywhere, students can be seen building large structures with bamboo and wood, sketching detailed designs, and adding final touches with bright colors.
This year’s theme of the procession is “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy.” The theme, symbols, and program were finalized in a meeting on March 31, chaired by Vice- Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam. According to the organizers, the theme reflects a message of unity, harmony, and the revival of democratic values in society.
Although last year the traditional “Mongol Shobhajatra” was renamed “Anondo Shobhajatra,” this year’s name has not yet been finalized.
Member Secretary of Bangla New Year Celebration Committee Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh told Dhaka Tribune that they haven’t received any official directive regarding the name. "The name will be finalised after a meeting with all the stakeholders tomorrow."
This year’s procession will feature five main motifs: a red-crested rooster, a dotara, a horse, birds, and a dove symbolizing peace. Each motif carries a special meaning. The rooster represents a new beginning, the dove stands for peace and harmony, and the dotara highlights solidarity with Baul culture. The horse and birds symbolize movement, freedom, and the rhythm of life.
The campus is buzzing with nonstop activity. Students are cutting bamboo and wood, designing patterns, and crafting masks and other artworks. These items are also being sold to raise funds for the event. They are working day and night to complete everything on time.
A student participant, Simran Nawaz, shared her thoughts, said “Pohela Boishakh is not just a festival for us; it is a part of our identity and culture. We work very hard every year, but this time feels different. We want to spread a strong message of unity, harmony, and democracy through this arrangement.”
This year’s celebration focuses on inclusiveness and secular values. People from all backgrounds are encouraged to join, making it a truly universal festival without political symbols.
The Pohela Boishakh procession is now more than just a celebration, it is a symbol of Bangladeshi cultural identity. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, it also attracts attention from around the world.
Across the country, various cultural programs will take place to celebrate the New Year. Traditional foods like panta-ilish and pitha will be served, while folk music such as jari, sari, bhatiali, and Baul songs will fill the air. From villages to cities, the joy of the festival will spread everywhere, welcoming the new year with hope and happiness
