Chhayanaut ushers in 1432 at Ramna Batamul with Raag Bhairav

As the sun rose over Dhaka, Chhayanaut's Pahela Baishakh celebration for the Bengali year 1432 began at Ramna Batamul. The theme of Chhayanaut's Pahela Baishakh celebration this year is "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy" (my freedom lies in light). Through this theme, Chhayanaut aims to convey a message of hope, resilience, and renewal.

The event is taking place on a semi-circular stage measuring 72 feet in length and 30 feet in width, stretching from east to west under the banyan tree. According to a previous press briefing by Chhayanaut, this year's celebration features a total of 24 performances: 9 choral songs, 12 solo renditions, and 3 recitations. The opening statement on the Bengali New Year will be delivered by Chhayanaut's Executive President Sarwar Ali, and the event will conclude with the national anthem.

The performers' dress code this year includes maroon panjabis with white pyjamas for the men, and off-white sarees with maroon borders for the women. The stage design complements these outfits, as the maroon color theme is reflected in the stage decor. While the stage structure remains the same every year, its colors change to match the performers' attire. Last year's stage was adorned in light green.

This cultural celebration of the Bengali New Year is being broadcast live on Chhayanaut's official YouTube channel and Facebook page, along with various television channels.

Chhayanaut, a renowned cultural organisation in Bangladesh, has been organising this iconic celebration at Ramna Batamul since 1967. For this year's programme, rehearsals have been ongoing for the past three months at the Chhayanaut Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi. Preparations for the stage at Ramna Batamul began on April 8.