STAR REPORT

The country celebrates Pahela Baishakh today with colourful processions and cultural programmes, ushering in Bangla New Year 1433 amid tight security.

Authorities have taken extensive measures nationwide, deploying police, Rab, and other law enforcement agencies at key venues to ensure peaceful celebrations.

In the capital, one of the main attractions will be the procession from Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, themed “Harmony of the New Year, Resurrection of Democracy”.

Organisers said the procession, along with its traditional motifs and masks, will feature a 150-page ‘Pata Chitra’ and five major motifs.

The government has renamed the traditional procession “Baishakhi Shobhajatra”. Last year, authorities rebranded the rally as “Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra” from “Mangal Shobhajatra”, following demands from certain quarters.

Preparations were nearly complete yesterday, with DU teachers and students busy putting the finishing touches on the artworks.

Dean of fine arts Azharul Islam Sheikh said the main motifs will reflect the country’s democratic resurgence as well as its rich heritage and traditions.

According to organisers, the five large motifs -- a rooster, an elephant, a pigeon, a dotara (a traditional string instrument), and a horse -- will represent strength, creation, peace, glory, and dynamism.

Azharul said the ‘Pata Chitra’ will feature folktale-based artworks depicting Bonbibi, the goddess of the Sundarbans; the Mughal Performances

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