DHAKA: Thousands of people from all walks of life, wearing colorful dresses and papier-mâché masks, participated in a Mangal Shobhajatra in the capital on Monday morning marking the Pahela Baishak, the first day of Bengali New Year.  

This year’s theme is Jagrato, Uddayto O Nirbhoy (Enlightened, Audacious and Fearless).

Inaugurated by Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor AAMS Siddique, the Shobhajatra paraded within the campus starting at 9:00am from premises of Institute of Fine Arts.

Mangal Shobhajatra is the biggest traditional celebratory procession to mark the Pahela Baishakh.

Besides, Jagannath University teachers and students also brought out another colorful Mangal Shobhajatra along with the people of old Dhaka.

BDST: 1259 HRS APR 14, 2014