Ctg celebrates Pahela Baishakh amid fear, low turnout following vandalism at DC Hill
The drop in turnout was attributed to both the scorching heat and lingering fears following an attack on a major celebration stage at DC Hill the previous evening
Chattogram welcomed the Bangla New Year 1432 with colorful festivities across the city today (14 April), but attendance at most venues remained noticeably lower than in previous years.
Organisers and attendees alike attributed the drop in turnout to both the scorching heat and lingering fears following an attack on a major celebration stage at DC Hill the previous evening.
Despite the heatwave, many people still gathered at various venues to take part in cultural programmes celebrating Pahela Baishakh. However, the usually festive DC Hill area remained deserted, with its New Year celebration canceled after yesterday evening's stage vandalism at the Nazrul Square as the organisers called off today's event citing safety concerns.
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In contrast, festivities at CRB's Shirishtola continued as planned under heavy police security.
The Noboborsho Udjapon Parishad hosted a day-long event beginning with a violin performance by "Chittagong's Behala". Cultural groups, including Udichi Chattogram, Sangeet Bhaban, Surangan Bidyapith, and Bangladesh Railway Cultural Forum, presented group songs, poetry recitations, and dance performances.
Apart from the performers and their families, very few visitors were present. Many who came, especially those with families, were seen leaving shortly after arriving. The usually vibrant intersection near Shirishtola and the surrounding areas had a subdued air, far from the typical energy of previous years.
This year, the traditional wrestling match (Bolikhela) at CRB's Sat Rastar Mor did not take place. Instead, a demonstration of the local game "Ha-du-du" was arranged, but it failed to draw much attention from spectators.
Faruk Taher, general secretary of Noboborsho Udjapon Parishad, said, "Pahela Baishakh is a festival of the soul. It inspires unity above all differences and helps us reconnect with our cultural roots. Regardless of religious identity, these festivals — Pahela Baishakh, Pahela Falgun, Nabanna — represent our timeless heritage."
"Our programmes went on as per schedule with any hindrance," he added.
Faisal Ahmed, a visitor at the CRB event, said, "The programmes are happening, but everything feels lifeless. There's music and dancing, but no real spirit of celebration. The whole place feels empty as people are in fear over last night's unprecedented incident."
Shahin, a shopkeeper near Sat Rastar Mor, echoed the sentiment, saying, "We stocked up on toys and games thinking there'd be a crowd like every year. But people aren't showing up. Those who came don't seem interested in the fair. This year's Boishakh feels dead."
One of the organisers, requesting anonymity, said, "People are scared after what happened at DC Hill yesterday. Many chose not to come, and those who did didn't stay long. That's why there's no real crowd this time."
Earlier in the morning, the Fine Arts Institute of Chittagong University brought out a traditional rally from their Badsha Mia Road campus.
This year, however, the usual banner reading "Mangal Shobhajatra" was replaced with "Boishakh 1432, Institute of Fine Arts, CU". Around 30-40 participants marched through Chatteswari Intersection, Almas Intersection, Kazir Dewri, SS Khaled Road, and the Press Club, returning via Sarson Road.
The rally featured colorful motifs including the national fish (hilsa), traditional clay dolls, and animal masks like tigers, buffaloes, and rabbits — all moving to the beat of traditional drums.
Elsewhere in the city, a New Year rally led by Chattogram Mayor Shahadat Hossain was brought out from the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti High School. Chattogram BNP also held their own Pahela Baishakh programme at their Nasimon Bhaban office.
