The annual festival is going on in Sylhet with processions, songs, dances and recitals
The people of Sylhet are welcoming the new Bengali year with colorful processions and cultural events. Singing, dancing and recitals are organized throughout the day in different areas of the city. A festive atmosphere has been created everywhere with the participation of people of different ages and classes.
At eight in the morning, the annual festival of cultural organization 'Shruti' started at Blue-Bird School and College premises in Subidbazar area of the city. Veteran bowler Abdur Rahman inaugurated the event. Expatriate Welfare and Labor Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury spoke as the chief guest.
Calling upon the youth to get involved in cultural activities, the Labor Minister said that Bangladesh is a country of harmony. The people of this region have also set a shining example of that harmony. The country will be more prosperous under the leadership of the new generation. At this time he also informed about the plan to build a modern cultural complex in Sylhet.
Recitalist Mokaddes Babul, Chief Director of Sammilit Natya Parishad Sylhet Shamsul Basit Shero and Musician Animesh Bijay Chowdhury were present in the inaugural session. Sukanta Gupta gave the welcome speech on behalf of Shruti. Sumant Gupta conducted the program. The cultural performance started with the song 'Eso Hey Boishakh'.
According to the organizers, this festival will continue until 5:30 pm. At least 20 organizations will participate in party performances throughout the day. Besides, 15 young and old artists will perform solo. Folk musician Shyamal Kumar Pal is scheduled to be felicitated in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, another New Year festival started in the morning at Srihatt Sanskrit College in Kewapara area under the initiative of 'Anandalok Sylhet'. Labor Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury spoke as the chief guest. Administrator of Sylhet City Corporation Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury and guests of various levels were present in the event. Musician Himanshu Biswas inaugurated.
According to the information of the organizers, several cultural organizations participated in various performances including Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and dance in this event which lasted till two o'clock. There are also solo performances by young and old artists.
At 8:30 in the morning, Sylhet City Corporation took out the 'Barshbaran Anand Shobhayatra'. Starting from the city hall, the procession goes around the various roads of the city. Before the procession, Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury said that various initiatives have been taken to make the city clean and livable. New parks are also planned to increase recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
At noon, the New Year program started at Al Madina International School in Nawabroad area under the initiative of Sylhet Divisional Branch of National Poetry Council. Discussions, recitations, songs and dances are being performed. According to the organizers, the program will continue till four in the afternoon.
Apart from this, the Charan Cultural Center Sylhet District Branch is conducting the Varsvaran program in the premises of Bholanand Naish Vidyalaya in Chauhatta area from morning. The event is scheduled to last until five o'clock. Apart from this, Bengali New Year is being celebrated in various educational institutions including Sylhet District Press Club.
Source: Prothom Alo Bangla
