Dhaka – Tens of thousands of people joined a colourful procession, traditionally called Mongol Shobhajatra, in Dhaka to welcome the Bangla New Year 1423 as the day is being celebrated across and beyond Bangladesh.
The procession seeking wellbeing of the people began at 9am from in front of the Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. The revellers paraded through the main street up to hotel inter-continental at Shahbagh dancing and singing.
Tight security measures were taken to ensure safety of the visitors poured in the Dhaka University and its adjoining areas.
Artists from Chhayanat, a leading cultural organization, performed the welcome song “esho he boishank …esho esho,” with the daybreak at 6.15 am of Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bangla calendar.
The crowd around the Ramna Banyan chorused to welcome the Bangla year 1423. Songs by Rabindranath Tagore seeking wellbeing of the humankind followed.
Despite the fact that the authorities slapped ban on many events considering security concerns, there was no deficit of fanfare in the capital. Similar programmes were arranged in other cities, divisional headquarters, and districts and sub-districts with great enthusiasm.
The government asked the revellers to end open-air programmes by 5 pm.
People from different age-groups were seen clad in traditional dresses attended those programmes waving scorching sun. Specials foods are being served at homes to celebrate the day with the government introducing special festival allowance for the Pahela Boishakh celebration.
Cultural organisations Shurer Dhara organised Chaitra Sangkranti — the last day of the Bangla year – Wednesday. The organisation also organised cultural event titled Hajaro Konthe Borshoboron at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the morning.
Other organisations including Rishij Shilpi Gosthi, Dhaka South City Corporation, Shishu Academy and Liberation War Museum chalked out similar programmes.
Apart from law enforcers, members of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps and Rover Scout will be deployed at different points in DU area today.
Watchtowers and CCTV cameras have been set up at many points, and the gates to Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Park will be closed after 5:00pm as per a previous announcement.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in spate messages greeted the people on the occasion of Pahela Boishakh.