DHAKA: The country is taking preparations to say goodbye to the running Bangla year 1421 through the Chaitra Sangkranti on April 13 and welcome the calendar year 1422 through Pohela Boishakh on April 14 (Tuesday).

Many are busy with preparations for the ‘Mongol Shobhajatra’, a colourful procession that the Fine Arts Faculty of Dhaka University (DU) organizes, while many others are busy with pondering over food items and dresses.

The Mongol Shobhajatra was first organized to welcome the Bangla New Year in Jessore in 1986 that was adopted by the students of Fine Arts Faculty in 1989. Thenceforth, various institutions organize the procession around the country to welcome the New Year.

The students of Fine Arts Faculty of DU were seen preparing masks and idols with papers and colour that the processioners will wear and carry on the day.

Frolicsome junior students of the faculty were seen running for the consultations of the seniors for the respective department.

Artist Tarun Ghoshm one of the heralds of Mongol Shobhajatra, said in the early days they used secular motifs in masks like tiger, owl etc so that people from across cast, creed and religions could participate in the procession.

The students of the faculty said they meet the production cost by selling the masks that will cost from Tk 500 to 1500.

Many people are taking preparations for the quintessential Bengali dish “Ilish Bhaja” (Hilsa Fish Fry) with Panta Bhat (rice soaked in water).

The retail sellers hiked the price of Hilsa fish on the eve of Pohela Boishakh. Four Hilsa fish, worth around 2-5kg, were seen selling at a price of Tk 5,000-10,000 whereas the wholesalers are selling a sack of 42-46kg Hilsa fish in Tk 6,000-7,000 at Soari Ghat fish market in Dhaka.

Retailers said price hikes at this time as the demand soars but the supply of the fish at this time of the year decreases.

People are still buying the Hilsa fish as they want their family members to have a taste of this traditional fish on the first day pf the New Year.

The ethnic minors of the country also are taking preparations to welcome 1422.

The occasion is known as ‘Boisabi’, an acronym of Boisu, Sangrai and Bijhu programs observed by Tripura, Marma and Chakma people of the country.

Besides, the Mamrma, Mro, Khoang, Khumi people observe the Bangla New Year in the name of Sangraiying, Changkran, Sangrang and Sangrai respectively.

BDST: 2121 HRS, APR 10, 2015
SR/AKA