‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty

A rooster, elephant, dove, horse, and a traditional instrument known as a Dotara are among the motifs at the procession

Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts has begun its “Baishakhi Shobhajatra” procession on Pahela Baishakh to mark first day of the Bengali New Year.

The procession set off from the Faculty of Fine Arts at 9am on Tuesday after a performance of the national anthem. It was accompanied by a mounted police convoy.

Teachers and students from Dhaka University, members of the hill tribe communities, and people from all walks of life joined the march, which included five motifs and five Pattachitra, a form of traditional cloth-based scroll paintings.

The participants held Bangladesh flags, while teachers under the leadership of Vice Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam, held up a banner.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury was also in attendance.

The Shobhajatra will proceed through the Raju Memorial Sculpture, Doyel Chattar and Bangla Academy befor ending, once again, at the Faculty of Fine Arts.

This year’s procession includes motifs featuring a rooster, elephant, dove, horse, and a traditional musical instrument called a Dotara. The rooster is symbolising the country's transition to democracy.

Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, notes that the rooster has been chosen to represent democratic rebirth.

He told bdnews24.com that Bangladesh had remained under what he described as an authoritarian system for 18 years and has now moved towards a democratic path through elections.

Azharul said the motifs reflects a new dawn, a new country, and a renewed democratic beginning.

“The rooster has been chosen as a symbol of that awakening. Like the bird that calls before sunrise, we see it as a sign of democratic renewal,” he said, adding that the faculty hopes for the return of justice in the country.