Chhayanaut welcomes Bengali New Year 1433 at Ramna Batamul

The traditional New Year programme has begun at Ramna Batamul in the capital with the sunrise of the new year. Chhayanaut's event welcomed the Bengali New Year 1433 with the collective rendition of the song 'Jago Alok-Lagne'.

The morning programme, which started at 6:15 am, filled the Ramna Batamul area with the presence of people from all walks of life. Following the opening song, Rabindra Sangeet numbers including 'E Ki Sugandha Hillole Bohilo', 'Tomar Haater Rakhikhani Bando Amar Dakshin Haate' and 'Bajao Amare Bajao' were performed one by one.

This year's programme features songs by renowned poets and composers including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Lalon Shah, Dwijendralal Roy and Salil Chowdhury.

Renowned artistes taking part include Khairul Anam Shakil, Laise Ahmed Lisa, Nasima Shahin, Chandana Majumdar, Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay, Sharmin Sathi Islam Moyna and many others.

A total of 22 songs are being performed at the morning programme – eight choral and 14 solo. Recitations are also being featured. Approximately 200 artistes, students and teachers are participating.

The theme of this year's New Year programme is 'Chitto Jetha Bhoy Shunno, Uchho Jetha Shir' (Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high). The organisers have expressed their resolve to shake off the adversities and 'garbage' of the past year to build a more humane society.

Chhayanaut has been organising this programme at Ramna Batamul since 1967. Over time, it has become a universal festival of the country, where people participate regardless of religion and caste.

This programme, which has become a symbol of tradition, culture and communal harmony, not only welcomes the new year but also powerfully reaffirms Bengali cultural identity.