Barisal is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming Pohela Boishakh festivities, including the much-anticipated Mangal Shobhajatra and vibrant Boishakhi Mela, amid stringent security measures.
The 33rd edition of the Mangal Shobhajatra, set to commence from Brajo Mahon High School’s Udichi stage at 8:30 am on Sunday, promises to be a spectacle honoring freedom fighters, Rakhi festival, and national heritage, with music and dance performances by Udichi members.
As the procession winds through the city’s thoroughfares, concluding at Ashwini Kumar Hall premises, Barisal City College will host a painting, quiz, and folk culture exhibition by Charukala Barisal, showcasing diverse motifs reflecting Bengali life and culture.
Artists and students are fervently crafting intricate designs, including crowns, masks, fans, sails, horses, and boats, symbolizing the essence of Bengali tradition for the Mangal Shobhajatra.
With the event coinciding post-Eid, a significant turnout is anticipated, notes Durjoy Singh, convenor of Mangal Shobhajatra 1431, emphasizing the event’s enduring popularity.
This year’s national slogan, derived from poet Jibanananda’s poem “Amra to Timir Binashi,” underscores a unifying theme for the nation, shares Dipankar Chakraborty, president of Barisal Charukola.
Udichi Barisal’s general secretary, Snehanshu Kumar Biswas, announces a three-day folk fair at BM School’s premises, expected to draw large crowds to the cultural extravaganza from 7 am to 7 pm daily.
Shobadaboli Group Theatre’s three-day Boisakhi cultural program at Shahid Minar adds to the festive fervor, enhancing the cultural mosaic of the Bengali New Year celebrations.
Barisal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Jihadul Kabir assures comprehensive security arrangements for both Mangal Shobhajatra and Boishakhi Mela, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
