With the rising of the sun, Chhayanaut welcomed the Bangla New Year with songs at Ramna Batamul yesterday, setting the tone for the nationwide celebration of Pahela Baishakh. Cultural programmes and colourful processions across Dhaka and other districts upheld Bangalee culture and heritage. Large crowds gathered under trees to enjoy music and recitations by artistes in traditional attire while elsewhere dancers in red and white performed on open-air stages before audiences. The festive spirit spread to the streets as vibrant processions featuring giant handcrafted motifs of birds, animals, and masks marched roads, symbolising peace and cultural pride. People of all ages joined in colourful outfits, turning the celebrations into a vivid display of tradition and unity.

PHOTO: PALASH KHAN, MEHEDI HASAN, RAJIB RAIHAN, HABIBUR RAHMAN, TITU DAS, AZAHAR UDDIN