Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Nov 16, 2025 (BSS) - Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) today celebrated 'Adi Noboborsho' for the first time, marking the first day of the Bangla month Ograhayon and the traditional Nabanna Utsab, with a colourful procession highlighting diverse native cultural elements.

The day's events began at 10 am with an art programme titled 'Rong-Tulite Nobanno', where artists and students created paintings depicting Nabanna Utsab and the July Movement. 

Traditional symbols such as a kula (paddy winnowing tray), farmers with sickles, gamchha, hatpakha, a horse-drawn carriage and other motifs rooted in rural heritage were showcased.

Jointly organised by DUCSU and the platform 'Biplobi Sangskritik Oikya', the main procession, bannered 'Adi Noboborsho Anondojatra', started around 12 pm in front of the Fine Arts Faculty. 

Witnesses said displays featuring the motif '36 July', along with a palki, a woman farming, and a fisherman casting a net, were among the attractions. A day-long Grameen Mela (village fair) was also held as part of the celebration.

DUCSU Literature and Culture Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad had earlier announced the observance of Adi Noboborsho on November 14.

The festivities concluded with cultural performances at Bakultala of the Fine Arts Faculty, including Palagan, Bhawaiyya, Bhatiali, Murshedi, songs of Hasan Raja, Shah Abdul Karim, Abdul Alim, Lalon Fakir, as well as Sufiana music and Pahari dance.

Speaking at the event, Musaddiq Ali said the aim was to reconnect the new generation with indigenous culture and traditions rooted in this land. 

He said some groups had tried to misinterpret his earlier remarks to portray the programme as an alternative to Pahela Baishakh, but the successful event and public participation proved otherwise.

Referring to the history of Nabanna Utsab, he noted that Ograhayon had long been observed as Noboborsho by farmers celebrating the new harvest.

"That tradition is fading. To remind the new generation of this heritage, we have taken the initiative to revive the Nabanna festival as Adi Noboborsho," he said.