Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy celebrated Bangla New Year 1432 on Monday with vibrant programmes featuring diverse ethnic communities, concerts, and a spectacular drone show at the Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.

Organised by the academy under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, with technical support from the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and in association with the Bangladesh National Parliament and Dhaka North City Corporation, the celebrations aimed to enhance public participation in Pahela Baishakh festivities.

The day began with a colourful procession in the morning, where — for the first time — 28 different ethnic groups, adorned in their traditional attire, joined the Borshoboron Anondo Shobhajatra organised by the Fine Arts Faculty of Dhaka University.

Ethnic communities participating in the procession included the Bengali, Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, Lusai, Pangkhua, Bom, Mro, Rakhine, Khumi, Banai, Santal, Oraon, Turi, Mahali, Malpaharia, Kol, Mahato, Munda, Rajoar, Manipuri, Khasia, Tea Community, Garo, Hajong, Koch, and Malo. Over 200 band musicians also took part in the rally, which featured performances expressing solidarity with Palestine and advocating for world peace.

In the afternoon, festivities continued on Manik Mia Avenue with a New Year concert starting at 3 pm. The event was attended by Cultural Affairs Ministry Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, envoys from different countries, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman, Acting Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Mohammad Wares Hossain, and other senior government officials.

The concert began with a performance by Basic Guitar Learning School, Bandarban, followed by a chorus rendition of 'Esho He Baishakh'. Notable performances included solo acts by Mithun Chakraborty and Islamuddin Palakar, a traditional pala gaan, and an energetic set by the all-female Garo band, F Minor.

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Atiya Anisha performed three solo numbers including 'Cholo Niralay', while Rakib, Sagar Dewan, and Arj Ali Ustad delivered a mix of duet and solo performances. Popular songs like 'Majhe Majhe Tumi Ele', 'Manush Keno Erokom', and 'Golpo Na' were presented by Ahmed Hasan Sunny, with Parsa performing three numbers, including protest songs from the July Uprising.

The main attraction of the evening, the Drone Show, commenced at 7 pm, jointly organised by the governments of Bangladesh and China with technical assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.

Featuring 2,600 drones, the 14-minute show displayed 12 motifs symbolising the joy of freedom, the fearless sacrifice of Shaheed Abu Sayeed in the July Uprising, women’s awakening, native culture, unity, and China-Bangladesh friendship. One of the drone illustrations also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian liberation movement.

A six-member Chinese expert team worked on the show from February, with 13 Chinese drone specialists piloting the display.

The event concluded with the performance of rock band Ashes.

Additionally, a Baishakhi Cultural Programme will be held tomorrow at 4:30 pm at BSA's National Theatre Hall to continue the New Year celebrations.