The Dhaka University (DU) authorities brought out a colorful ‘Borshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra’ today (April 14), welcoming Bengali New Year 1432 on its campus with the theme “Unity in the New Year, End of Fascism.”
The Shobhajatra was launched at 9 am in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan.
Cultural advisor and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki also took part in the procession.
The route covers key landmarks around the university, including Shahbagh, the TSC intersection, Shaheed Minar, the Physical Education Centre, Doel Chattar, and loops back to the Faculty of Fine Arts.
According to the university, representatives from 28 ethnic communities, along with students from various government and private institutions, socio-cultural groups, and international participants, joined this year’s celebration.
The procession features seven main motifs, including a striking representation of the “face of fascism” to symbolise prolonged authoritarian rule in Bangladesh. Although the original bamboo structure was set on fire by a miscreant early on Saturday, it was later reconstructed using coke sheets.
A symbolic element originally planned—a motif of Abu Sayeed, a martyr of the July Uprising—was removed at the family's request. Instead, a water bottle from Mugdha was included as a tribute to the martyrs of that movement.
Other major motifs include national symbols such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Hilsa fish, pigeon of peace, and a traditional palanquin. A slice of watermelon also appears in solidarity with oppressed Palestinians, referencing its symbolic association with resistance.
This year’s procession also showcases seven medium motifs, such as Sultanate and Mughal-era masks, colourful spinning wheels, palm leaf, birds, fans, horses, and folk art canvases.
Smaller motifs include depictions of the face of fascism, tiger’s head, fish chai, plough, and fish basket.
A standout feature is a 100-foot-long Patachitra—a traditional Bengali scroll painting—crafted by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts. The painting illustrates figures and events from Bengali folklore and history, including the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, national heroes like Abu Sayeed, and mythical figures such as Behula-Lakhindar, Bon Bibi, and Gazir Pat—each incorporating a tiger motif and vibrant colours.
To ensure security, authorities installed additional CCTV cameras and archways throughout the campus for the Pahela Baishakh festivities.
First introduced in 1989 as Mangal Shobhajatra, the Fine Arts parade has been officially known by that name since 1996. Recognised by UNESCO, the procession has been renamed this year as the Ananda Shobhajatra.
BDST: 0940 HRS, APR 14, 2025
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