Chhayanaut welcomes Bangla New Year with traditional cultural fest at Ramna Batamul

Chhayanaut celebrated the Bangla New Year this morning (14 April) with a vibrant cultural event held under the ancient banyan tree at Ramna Batamul.

Centered around the theme "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy" (My Liberation Lies in Light), the traditional celebration began shortly after sunrise at 6am and concluded at 8:30am.

Over 150 male and female performers participated in the programme, which featured a total of 24 performances—including 9 group songs, 12 solo performances, and 3 recitations.

The event showcased songs celebrating light, nature, humanity, and patriotism.

A semi-circular stage, measuring 72 feet in length and 30 feet in width, was set up from east to west beneath the banyan tree, hosting the colorful performances.

Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali delivered the New Year's greetings during the programme. The concluding performance was the national anthem performed collectively by the participating artists.

Male performers wore maroon panjabis paired with white pajama trousers, while the female performers were dressed in off-white sarees with maroon borders.

The stage decorations were also themed in maroon, creating visual harmony with the performers' attire.

According to Chhayanaut, the stage structure remains consistent every year, with only the color scheme changing to match the performers' costumes. Last year, the stage featured a light green color theme.

This year's celebration was broadcast live on Chhayanaut's official YouTube channel and Facebook page and also aired by several national television channels.

Since 1967, Chhayanaut has been organising this cultural gathering at Ramna Batamul on the first day of the Bangla New Year (Pahela Baishakh), continuing its legacy of celebrating Bengali heritage and identity through music and performance.