The Bengali New Year 1433 was welcomed with a colourful procession organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka, under the theme “Harmony of the New Year, Resurgence of Democracy.”
However, the celebration witnessed an unexpected incident around 9:30 am when the procession reached the Dhaka University metro rail station area.
According to organizers, three out of five large motifs got stuck on the roof of the metro station, as they were being carried through the underpass. The motifs—including a red-crested rooster, a dotara, and a horse—collided with the structure due to height limitations.
As a result, a portion of the rooster motif was damaged.
“The motifs were very tall, and while passing under the station, they hit the roof. One part of the rooster broke, but we managed to move the rest carefully,” said a participant.
The remaining motifs were later taken with caution. However, the large ‘tepa horse’ motif became stuck against a pillar, making it impossible to move forward.
“We had no option but to take a U-turn from that point,” another organizer added.
The procession had earlier started at 9:00 am in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor A B M Obaidul Islam, and began with the national anthem. It was attended by Cultural Affairs Adviser Nityai Roy Chowdhury, along with prominent figures from political and cultural arenas.
The route included Shahbagh intersection, Raju Sculpture, TSC, and Doel Chattar, before returning to the Faculty of Fine Arts. Due to security concerns, participants were prohibited from wearing masks and instead carried them by hand.
This year’s procession featured five major motifs blending folk heritage and contemporary political symbolism. The rooster symbolized a new dawn and democratic resurgence, while the dotara, dove, elephant, and traditional tepa horse represented cultural heritage, peace, and coexistence.
Despite the disruption, the festive spirit remained undeterred, as students, including a mounted police unit and flag-bearing participants, turned the area into a vibrant celebration. The event concluded at the Fine Arts premises with renewed enthusiasm for the New Year.
