Fresh plans are afoot at Dhaka University (DU) for an expanded celebration of Bangla New Year 1432 following political shifts after the July mass uprising last year.
The university administration, Ministry of Culture and Faculty of Fine Arts are joining forces to deliver what organisers promise will be a more efficient and successful event than in previous years.
Preparations kicked off on Thursday, March 20, with a special workshop at Zainul Gallery at faculty of fine arts, where participants began crafting traditional decorative items known as 'sora', watercolour paintings and masks.
Dr Abdus Sattar, a celebrated artist and honorary professor from Department of Oriental Art, presided over the workshop's inauguration.
''There was uncertainty in everyone's mind about whether the Bangla New Year would be celebrated this time, but we're now set for a grander scale celebration,'' Dr Sattar said. ''The celebration has been a tradition at Faculty of Fine Arts for many years, with faculty members and students taking the lead. External artists participate as well.''
For the first time, the celebration will take on national significance, according to an announcement posted last Wednesday on the verified Facebook page of Chief Adviser of the Interim Government.
The post confirmed that indigenous communities including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Garo will participate alongside the Bangalee community.
"Indigenous groups who don't consider themselves Bengali lso take part in the celebration this year," Dr Sattar noted. "This event will be unique and much more successful than any previous occasion."
A crucial meeting scheduled on Monday, March 24, will finalise decisions regarding the procession, this year's theme, and the formation of various celebration committees. All students, teachers, officers, and staff from Faculty of Fine Arts will collaborate to organise the celebration, including the grand procession.
Professor Dr. Azharul Islam Chanchal, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, explained, ''We haven't yet decided on the theme and procession details. We'll finalise everything after discussions on 24 March. Nevertheless, we're planning a grand and successful event.''
The fundraising workshop that has already begun will continue as preparations intensify. ''With the joint efforts of the university administration, the Ministry of Culture, and the Faculty of Fine Arts, we aim to organise a large-scale celebration of Pohela Boishakh involving not only Bengalis but also other communities,'' Professor Chanchal added.
A further meeting, chaired by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture, is set for Sunday, March 22, to determine next steps in the nationwide celebration plans.
NRE/SH
