Tradition, tales, and togetherness: Boishakh at BracU
On April 15th and 16th, Brac University blossomed in colours in celebration of the Bengali New Year as students embraced the festive spirits through a variety of lively segments, including the Boishakhi procession, cultural programme, flash mob, traditional games, movie screening, stage drama, and mime. Also, a puppet show, witty debate, and even a kothopokothon featuring the stars of the movie Bonolota Express were organised.
To kick off the celebration, the Boishakhi procession was graced by Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar (Vice Chancellor, BracU), Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury (Pro-Vice Chancellor, BracU), and Dr David Dowland (Registrar, BracU). The Mongol Shobhajatra transitioned into the Battolar Baishakhi Baran programme at the MPH, where students performed and captured the true essence of Pohela Boishakh. “This is my last Pohela Boishakh celebration on my campus, so it was very special for me to attend the shobhajatra. I also really enjoyed the Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitam performance,” said Arpita Sarkar (Senior, CSE). One of the most anticipated segments was the flash mob, in which the performers captivated a huge audience in the auditorium lobby. The day closed with “Traditional Sports” on the football field, reviving rural games, and a cultural programme at the MPH, where melodies soared, feats moved in harmony, and students sang and danced their hearts out beneath an evening alive with joy and celebration.
Photo credit: Sabiha Tabassum
The second day commenced with a screening of the acclaimed crime thriller Aynabaji, followed by a musical dance of the Dhamail art form and a lively stage drama titled Sath Patrer Sondhane at the Auditorium. The witty debate on the motion “Love is like the storm of Pohela Boishakh, not the breeze of spring” mixed comical campus anecdotes with sharp social observation and serious reflections. The final performance was a mime of Roshogolla by Syed Mujtaba Ali.
Photo credit: Washinoor Goni & Labib Bin Ahmed
Photo credit: Labib Bin Ahmed
Next came the awaited session of Kothopokothon of Bonolota Express with the director Tanim Noor, screenwriter Ayman Asib Shadhin, and casting members Azmeri Haque Badhon, Sariful Razz, Sabrin Azad, Tamim Kareem, and Sifat Rahman. They had a lively session with the energetic crowd. When actress Badhon was asked to leave a message for BracU students, she beautifully stated, “Celebrating Pohela Boishakh with your colourful crowd today filled my heart. Keep moving forward like the journeys we see in Bonolota Express, and let your spirits bloom with joy and renewal that this festival brings.”
With that, the celebrations came to a close, yet the spirit of Pohela Boishakh lingered on, leaving behind a lasting echo of renewed beginning in every heart.
Photo credit: Labib Bin Ahmed
