Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year and the country's key secular celebration is at the door. Preparations are on at the Faculty of Fine Art (FFA), University of Dhaka (DU) for hailing the Bangla New Year 1423. Eminent artists Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam and Nisar Hossain, the Dean of FFA, DU, inaugurated the preparation for Mongolshobhajatra on March 17. The 17th batch students of FFA are leading the gigantic task to make the event a grand success. FFA aka Charukala buzzes with activity and will continue till Pahela Boishakh. The theme for the year is “Ontor Momo Bikoshito Koro Ontorotoro Hey”.

The Mongolshobhajatra -- decked with vivid, flamboyant masks and life-size replicas of dolls (originally from the collection of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin), Mother and Child (as protest against all forms of violence against women and children), animals (ox and elephant), birds and other folk motifs (boat, sampan and tree) -- brought out by the students and teachers of FFA, DU is one of the biggest attractions of Pahela Boishakh.

The replicas of different shapes and designs take longer to make than the masks. First the frame is made with bamboo; often straw is used to stuff the structure. Paper is then pasted on the frame; separate parts (wings, tails for example) are attached. The replicas are then painted or coloured papers are used.

Masks, made with paper and papier-mâché, are other attractions. Bright colours are used to finish off the masks. Tigers, owls and more -- the masks are a visual delight.

There is however, the issue of funds. A Mongolshobhajatra of this magnitude costs a pretty penny. Having a corporate giant sponsor this parade would be the easy way out but the IFA students feel that this would make them obligated to the patrons, thus constraining their artistic liberty. The collective sentiment is that the Mongolshobhajatra is part of the mass Boishakhi celebration and should not be commercialised.

The way students generate funds for the event is quite inspiring. They sell beautiful paintings (done by the Charukala teachers, students and alumni) and beautiful shora at the IFA premises daily from 11am to 10pm till April 13.

The shoras featuring rural motifs, human and animals faces are sold at a price range from Tk 500-1500 -- a good buy for art enthusiasts. Paintings by the students start from Tk 500 while the highest price range of the artworks by the teachers and renowned painters is 2 lakhs. The subjects are diverse. Besides, country's noted artists took part in a two- day art camp starting from yesterday. Their works will be on display for sate on Friday (April 8).

Purchasing a work of art from this sale would not only sate one's aesthetic senses but also support one of the biggest celebrations on Pahela Boishakh -- a carnival for everyone.

This year's Mongolshobhajatra, led by Vice Chancellor of DU and accompanied by FFA Dean, teachers and university administration, will start at 9am from FFA premises.