Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year 1432, is being celebrated across the country, including in Dhaka, on Monday with much festivity. This year’s theme is: “The Harmony of the New Year, End to Fascism.” The ‘Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra’ (New Year’s Joyful Procession) began at 9:00 am in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka. Previously known as the ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’, the procession paraded through Shahbagh intersection, TSC, the Central Shaheed Minar, the Physical Education Centre, and Doel Chattar before returning to its starting point. The rally was accompanied by patriotic songs performed by 30 artists with various musical instruments.

People from all walks of life—regardless of religion, caste, or creed—gathered in colorful traditional attire from early morning to welcome the Bengali New Year. Their participation marked the formal beginning of the procession.
This year’s rally showcased 21 artistic motifs: seven large, seven medium, and seven small. The large motifs included a wooden tiger, a hilsa fish, the typography “36 July”, the dove of peace, a palanquin, and a water bottle representing Mugdha, a victim of the July Movement.

In a symbolic show of solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine, a watermelon motif—widely recognised as a symbol of political resistance—was prominently featured in the procession. Also displayed were masks from the Sultanate and Mughal eras, caricatures of fascist faces, colorful spinning wheels (chorki), tiger heads, palm-leaf soldiers, traditional fishing tools (polo and chai), fans, headgear (mathal), horses, ploughs, and other cultural elements.

Security was visibly heightened, with a significant presence of law enforcement personnel ensuring a safe and smooth celebration throughout the rally.