Preparations for Bengali New Year celebrations in Sreemangal are in their final stage, with a vibrant welcome ceremony and a colorful procession set to usher in the new year.
The event is being organized by Sreemangal upazila unit of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha to celebrate Bengali New Year 1433.
On Sunday afternoon, rehearsals were underway at District Council Auditorium, where artists from various music schools across the upazila gathered to practice.
The venue was lively as performers worked on blending music, rhythm and coordination to make the program engaging. A festive mood has already spread among artists, organizers and cultural enthusiasts.
As part of the celebrations, a seven-day Boishakhi festival and fair will be held at Sreemangal Shishu Udyan from April 14 to April 20.
The festival will include cultural programs, a colorful procession, folk music performances and a traditional rural fair.
In addition to JASAS initiative, the upazila administration has also planned separate New Year celebrations, including processions and day-long cultural events.
Convener of JASAS Sreemangal upazila unit, Md. Mahbubur Rahman Lincon, said this will be the first time the organization is hosting a New Year celebration and procession at Shishu Udyan.
He added that artists from different music schools will take part in the main cultural program and that rehearsals have been ongoing for the past three days.
He invited people from all walks of life to attend the festival.
Music teacher Shyamal Acharya said cultural organizations and activists across Sreemangal are working together to make the week-long celebration successful.
He noted that the main welcome program will begin at 7:00 AM on April 14, with participation from students and performers of various groups.
Former Moulvibazar District Council member and BNP leader Mashiur Rahman Ripon said the event marks a large-scale return of New Year celebrations under JASAS in the upazila.
He added that, along with renowned artists from across the country, performers from around 27 to 28 local organizations and participants in various competitions will join the festivities.
Organizers said the initiative aims to showcase Bengali heritage, culture and festive spirit to the younger generation.
They expressed hope for strong participation from people of all backgrounds to ensure the success of the celebration.
RA/SH
