Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year, the largest secular celebration in the country is at the door. Preparations are on. The parade — decked with vivid, flamboyant masks and life-size replicas of birds, animals and other motifs -- brought out by the students and teachers of Institute of Fine Arts (IFA), Dhaka University is one of the biggest attractions of Pahela Baishakh.

Planning for the parade begins around a month before the event; enthusiastic workers slog at it for two weeks. IFA AKA 'Charukala' buzzes with activity during this period. The preparations often continue right into early morning, Pahela Baishakh.

The replicas of different shapes and designs take longer to make than the masks. First the frame is made with bamboo; often straw is used to stuff the structure. Paper is then pasted on the frame, separate parts (wings, tails for example) are attached. The replicas are then painted or coloured papers are used. As of yesterday (April 3), work on the replicas has not begun.

Masks, made with paper and papier-machd, are other attractions. Bright colours are used to finish off the masks. Tigers, lions, rabbits and more - - the masks are a visual delight. The masks are partly done; within the next two/three days they will painted over by the IFA students.

There is however, the issue of funds. A parade of this magnitude costs a pretty penny. Having a corporate giant sponsor this parade would be the easy way out but the IFA students feel that this would make them obligated to the patrons, thus constraining their

artistic liberty. The collective sentiment is that the parade is part of the mass Baishakhi celebration and should not be commercialised.

The way students generate funds for the event is quite inspiring. They sell beautiful shora (clay pots with illustration on top) and paintings at the IFA premises for about two weeks prior to Pahela Baishakh.

The shoras featuring rural motifs, human and animals faces are sold at a price range ofTk 150-1500 - a bargain for art enthusiasts. Paintings by the students start from Tk 300. The subjects are varied.

Purchasing a work of art from this sale would not only sate one's aesthetic senses but also support one of the biggest celebrations on Pahela Baishakh — a carnival for everyone.