Unity restored as Chattogram's DC Hill set for Pahela Baishakh celebrations

Ending weeks of uncertainty and disagreement, cultural organisations and the district administration in Chattogram have decided to celebrate the Bangla New Year collectively at the district's historic DC Hill venue.

The decision comes as a relief to the port city's cultural fraternity.

In 2025, the celebrations at DC Hill were disrupted following a late-night attack on the stage.

After several rounds of meetings following the political changeover and a brief proposal to shift the venue to the Central Shaheed Minar, all parties have agreed to return to DC Hill this year under a unified arrangement.

Mohammad Ali Tito, member secretary of the Sammilita Pahela Baishakh Udjapan Parishad, which pioneered the celebrations at DC Hill in 1978, confirmed the resolution.

"Initially, we were told the administration would hold its own event. However, following a recent meeting, we accepted the district administration's invitation to celebrate together for the sake of cultural harmony," he told The Daily Star.

Additional District Commissioner (General) Sharif Uddin said that the festivities will begin with a year-end programme (Barsha Biday) at the Shilpakala Academy tomorrow.

On Tuesday, the Pahela Baishakh procession (Shobhajatra) will start at 8:00am from the Kazir Dewri intersection, parade through Love Lane, and conclude at DC Hill. A day-long cultural gala featuring music, dance, recitations, and traditional puthi path will follow, concluding at 6:00pm.

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Chattogram District Shilpakala Academy students have made made various masks of national symbols, birds, tigers, and sora chitra (pottery). Photo: Rajib Raihan

Meanwhile, the Chattogram District Shilpakala Academy is also buzzing with preparations. A three-day workshop on mask-making and traditional motifs concluded yesterday.

Guided by artist Arup Barua, 75 fine arts students of the academy made various masks of national symbols, birds, tigers, and sora chitra (pottery).

Syed Ayaj Mabud, cultural officer of the academy, said the initiative was taken to connect urban students with their heritage.

"Since the University of Chittagong’s Institute of Fine Arts moved back to the main campus from the city, we wanted to ensure city-based students have a space to learn and nurture our folk traditions," he explained.

These motifs will be prominently featured in the main Shobhajatra on Tuesday, he added.