KHULNA, April 12, 2025 (BSS) - Khulna is all set to welcome the Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year-1432, with colourful festivities and traditional fervor. The District Administration, different socio-cultural, political parties and educational institutions have taken preparations to celebrate the day in a comprehensive manner.

This year's celebration will carry the theme "Naboborshoer Oikyotan, Fascibader Oboshan (Symphony of the New Year, End of Fascism)."

Khulna District Administration will kick off the celebration through a vibrant 'Borsoboron Ananda Shovajatra' at 8:00am Monday from the Khulna Railway Station premises and conclude at the Shaheed Hadis Park.

Following the procession, there will be a discussion meeting, cultural function, and prize distribution.

On this occasion, the Bangladesh Shishu Academy will organize drawing and essay competitions for children. The Khulna Divisional Museum will be open to the public, and traditional foods will be served in jails and government-run orphanages across the city.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam has urged all to refrain from incorporating any elements in the 'Borsoboron Anondo Shovajatra' that may hurt religious sentiments.

As in previous years, the Fine Arts School of Khulna University (KU) has completed preparations to celebrate the Bangla New Year with its own unique cultural identity and distinct traditions.

During a visit on Friday, students from different Disciplines of the School of Fine Arts of KU were seen putting final touch to various items of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations.

They are crafting papier mache figures of kings and queens, masks of tigers and owls, and traditional items such as horses, elephants, kulos, and dalas- reflecting Bangladeshi traditions.

Talking to BSS, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, a member of the Alpona and Stage Committee of KU said, "We are working tirelessly to organize what is undoubtedly the most non-communal and inclusive folk festival of Bengali culture."

This year, KU will begin its Pahela Baishakh celebration with `Borsho Abahon' at 7:15am. This will be followed by the inauguration of a traditional fair at 9:00am, the 'Anondo Shovajatra' at 10:00am, and traditional performances including `Lathikhela' (stick fight), magic shows, monkey shows in the afternoon, and a concluding cultural program at 8:00pm.

On the eve of Pahela Baishakh, Chaitra Sankranti will be celebrated on Sunday with various events at the university's playground. This includes a kite festival, traditional Bengali games, an Alpona Utsob (decorative street painting), puppet shows, and an evening cultural program.

To ensure the safety and smooth execution of these events, a coordination meeting was held on Thursday at the KU administrative building with representatives of law enforcement agencies.

Presiding over the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim said, "We've planned a full array of programs for both April 13 and 14. Every preparation has been made to ensure peaceful celebrations, and security measures are in place to prevent any disruption."

To celebrate the Pahela Baishakh, Khulna Medical College (KMC) will also organize colourful events. On April 14, a Pitha Utsob (traditional cake festival) and cultural program will take place at the KMC's S M Sultan Auditorium.

Miraj Al Imran, convener of the KMC Pahela Baishakh celebration committee, said, "At the Pitha Utsob, students will set up their stalls and serve various traditional pithas. There's already a lot of enthusiasm among everyone."

Cultural organizations, including Udichi, will host 'Bangla Borsoboron' program on the Lower Jashore Road near Khulna Circuit House.

Different political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and National Citizen Party (NCP), are preparing to celebrate the day with cultural festivities.