Jahangirnagar University celebrated Pahela Baishakh with great enthusiasm on Tuesday, organising a colourful Mangal Shobhayatra and a series of cultural programmes to welcome the Bengali New Year 1433.
The procession, organised by the university’s Fine Arts Department under the theme “Harmony of New Year, Resurrection of Democracy,” began from the Mrityumch near the old arts building at 10:30 am. It paraded through various campus roads before concluding at Selim Al Deen Muktamanch.
A major attraction of this year’s event was the large-scale sculptures of bulls, horses, and birds created by students using bamboo, wood, and paper. The artworks captivated visitors and drew widespread acclaim. Winnowing trays, baskets, and placards carried by students reflected protest thoughts, social messages, and democratic consciousness.
Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan inaugurated the event at 10:15am. Describing Jahangirnagar University as the “capital of culture,” he said that after overcoming a difficult time, the revival of cultural practice is extremely significant for building a new Bangladesh.
“The new year’s journey has begun with the hope that Jahangirnagar University will be able to lead the country in the future through the practice of brotherhood, harmony, and culture,” he said.
After the procession, a Baishakhi fair was inaugurated at the Teacher-Student Centre premises. The Bengali Department organised a Baishakhi feast and traditional sports at Mohua Muktamanch, while the Department of Drama and Dramatics arranged traditional performances including Padabali Kirtan, Jarigan, Kalikach, and Palagan in the old arts building area.
The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union organised a Halkhata and sweet distribution programme in the afternoon. A cultural programme is scheduled to be held at Selim Al Deen Muktamanch from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, jointly managed by the Student Welfare and Counselling Centre, TSC, and JUCSU.
