Ahead of Pohela Boishakh 1432, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Jagannath University is preparing in full swing for the Bengali new year celebrations. Alongside a colourful new year procession, the university is organizing a Boishakhi Mela for the first time.
On Saturday, a visit to the Faculty of Fine Arts revealed students busy constructing symbolic representations of bullock carts, birds, animals, and various flowers.
This year’s festivities are being arranged under the theme: “Biplober siri beye asuk neme alo, noboborshe mukto jibon thakuk aro bhalo (Let light descend down the stairs of revolution, may the new year bring a freer, better life).”
The main theme of the procession will highlight the traditional rural culture of Bengal.
Imam Hossain, chairman of the Sculpture Department, said: “We are now in the final stage of our preparations for the New Year celebration. Hopefully, we will finish everything before the April 14.”
Explaining the idea behind the theme, he said: “The new year celebration is fundamentally a part of Bengal’s rural culture.”
He added: “So, this year we’ve chosen rural life and economy as the core theme, so that the younger generation can feel a deeper connection to the roots of the country.”
Acting Registrar of Jagannath University Professor Dr Md Sheikh Gias Uddin said: “The preparations for the first-ever Boishakhi Mela at Jagannath are nearing completion. We plan to host various programs and stalls at different points on campus.”
He added: “Initially, we aimed for 30 stalls, but so far, 27 applications have been submitted. The final number will depend on the applications. We hope to complete all arrangements on time.”
Asked about the Boishakhi Mela, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rezaul Karim said: “We will celebrate this new year with peace and harmony.”
He added: “The Boishakhi Mela is the special highlight of this year’s Pohela Boishakh at Jagannath University.”
