A colorful procession has begun in the Dhaka University (DU) area amidst a festive atmosphere to welcome the Bengali New Year 1432.
The traditional 'New Year Joy Procession' started at 9:10 am on Monday (April 14) from the Faculty of Fine Arts. However, the entire premises had become lively with colorful decorations and the footsteps of people long before that.
In the morning, it was seen on the spot that the Fine Arts premises were painted with the colors of the festival. As soon as the morning light broke, the flow of people started to gather. There was also a flood of people in Ramna, TSC, Suhrawardy Udyan, and surrounding areas.
Teachers and students of Fine Arts, students of various educational institutions, workers of cultural organizations, and people of all ages participated in the procession. Rural life and the form of nature-dependent human struggle were highlighted through masks, puppets, bamboo tigers, birds, fish, and various large-sized artworks.
Not only Dhaka, but people from different parts of the country also came to participate in this colorful procession. Everyone was dressed in yellow, red, green, and orange. Women wore floral garlands on their heads, colorful bangles on their hands, and children's faces were filled with joy - the whole atmosphere was vibrant. They participated in the joyous procession wearing small masks and carrying flags in their hands.
A visitor said, "I wait for this procession every year. It is a symbol of our love for culture and unity. The joy of so many people being together is the greatest. The feeling of celebrating tradition in this way is different."
On the other hand, strict security measures were also observed around the procession. University administration and law enforcement members were on high alert.
Meanwhile, RAB Director General (DG) AKM Shahidul Rahman said that strict security measures have been taken across the country centering on the New Year festival. He also said that cyber security measures have been strengthened to prevent propaganda surrounding the Boishakhi festival.
He said this at a briefing on RAB's security at the New Year festival, including Ramna Batamul, on Sunday (April 14) morning.
