Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology welcomed the Bengali New Year 1433 with a colourful Baishakhi procession, children’s painting competition and cultural programmes on Tuesday.
The Baishakhi procession began at 9:00am from the university campus at Uttara.
The procession featured traditional motifs, including large fish, peacocks, dolls, owls, eagles, tigers and colourful masks, and paraded through nearby streets before circling Shanto-Mariam Academy and returning to the campus.
The event concluded with traditional refreshments such as khoi, puffed rice, batasha, seasonal fruits and juice.
Among those present were Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof Mostafafizul Haque, Chairman of Shanto-Mariam Foundation and Sundarban Courier Service Dr Ahsanul Kabir, university Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Shah-e-Alam, noted artist Prof Hashem Khan, Treasurer Prof Dr Muhammad Abdul Halim Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Design and Technology Prof Shishir Kumar Bhattacharjee, Dean of Fine and Performing Arts Prof Dr Pradip Kumar Nandi, Registrar Dr Par Mashiyur Rahman and Controller of Examinations Mashiyuddin Anwar Ahmed.
Later, a discussion on Bengali New Year traditions and Halkhata was held at the campus auditorium, where speakers shared their views.
The celebrations ended with traditional music and dance performances by students of the university and the academy.
The programme created a festive atmosphere on the campus as students joined the procession and other activities to welcome the New Year.