Chhayanaut ushers in Bengali New Year at Ramna Batamul

The cultural organisation Chhayanaut held its customary Bengali New Year celebration at Ramna Batamul in the capital. On the first morning of Boishakh, artists of the institution welcomed the new year through melodious performances. People from all walks of life gathered to greet the new year, calling for renewal and shedding the weariness of the past.

The programme formally began at 6:15 am on Tuesday (April 14) with a chorus performance of the song “Jago Alok-Logone,” as the first light of dawn broke.

From early morning, children, women, and men began arriving at Ramna dressed in traditional Boishakhi attire. All shared the hope that the new year would begin with a fresh spirit, free from the burdens of the past. There was a collective aspiration to build a Bangladesh founded on equality and unity, leaving behind divisions and discrimination.

Speaking about this year’s programme, Chhayanaut President Sarwar Ali said the event carries a pledge to move beyond a culture of fear and to sing freely and fearlessly. He recalled that the programme began in 1967 with the aim of showcasing the cultural identity of Bengalis through music. Over time, it has become a gathering place for people of all religions and communities in the country.

This year’s programme features songs by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Lalon Shah, along with various folk music performances.

Notably, Chhayanaut has been organising this traditional Pahela Baishakh celebration at Ramna Batamul since 1967, and this year as well, the Bengali New Year 1433 is being welcomed from the same historic venue.