The capital city of Dhaka is preparing for a vibrant and colourful transformation as Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, approaches. Across the metropolis, a wide array of concerts, cultural showcases and festive programmes have been arranged, promising several days of celebration that blend traditional Bengali heritage with contemporary musical expression.
Organisers, cultural collectives and leading private universities have jointly curated an extensive calendar of events featuring some of Bangladesh’s most popular singers and bands. From large-scale open-air concerts in public parks to campus-based performances driven by student enthusiasm, the city is expected to become a major centre of cultural activity during the Boishakh period.
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Major two-day concert in Banani
A key highlight of this year’s festivities will be the two-day open-air concert titled “Carpe Diem – Lal Boishakhi 1433”, organised by Asen and Rishka Connects. The event is scheduled to take place at Kamal Atatürk Park in Banani on 13 and 14 April, and is expected to draw large crowds of music lovers, families and Boishakh revellers.
The programme will feature performances by leading Bangladeshi artists, including Habib Wahid and Pritom Hasan, alongside several prominent contemporary bands. Organisers have indicated that the event will combine high-energy live music with thematic Boishakh performances, designed to create a festive atmosphere suitable for audiences of all ages.
University campuses embrace festive spirit
In parallel with citywide concerts, several private universities in Dhaka are hosting their own Pahela Baishakh celebrations, turning academic campuses into vibrant cultural venues.
Among the most prominent performers is the acclaimed band Chirkutt, which will appear at multiple universities over three consecutive days. Known for their distinctive blend of alternative rock and Bangla fusion, the band is expected to attract significant student audiences with a repertoire featuring popular tracks such as “Jadur Shohor”, “Ahare Jibon”, “Duniya” and “Kanamachi”.
Chirkutt performance schedule
| Date | Institution | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 April | East West University | 11:00 AM | Campus Performance |
| 14 April | North South University | 3:00 PM | Boishakh Concert |
| 15 April | United International University | To be announced | Boishakh Concert |
The band will begin its campus tour at East West University at 11:00 AM on 14 April, followed by a later performance the same day at North South University at 3:00 PM. The tour will conclude on 15 April at United International University, with the exact timing yet to be confirmed.
Chirkutt’s lead vocalist Sharmin Sultana Sumi expressed enthusiasm about performing during the Boishakh season, emphasising the strong bond between the band and younger audiences.
“We always return to the stage with the love of the youth,” she said. “It feels wonderful to be invited to so many university celebrations this Boishakh.”
A city-wide cultural awakening
Beyond headline concerts, Dhaka will host numerous smaller cultural programmes, street performances and traditional Boishakh celebrations across various neighbourhoods and institutions. These events are expected to include folk music, dance performances and artistic showcases that highlight the depth and diversity of Bengali cultural heritage.
The growing scale of Pahela Baishakh celebrations in urban Bangladesh has elevated the occasion into one of the country’s most significant annual cultural festivals, with Dhaka at its centre. Each year, public participation continues to expand, reflecting both the enduring appeal of tradition and the rising influence of contemporary music culture.
With a blend of celebrated artists, emerging performers and enthusiastic youth engagement, this year’s celebrations are set to turn the capital into a dynamic stage of sound, colour and collective joy—where tradition and modern creativity converge in a shared expression of renewal and festivity.