The capital Dhaka is set to come alive with colour, music and cultural festivities as Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, approaches. A wide range of concerts and cultural programmes have been arranged across the city, promising several days of energetic celebration blending traditional heritage with contemporary musical expression.
Organisers, cultural platforms and leading private universities have jointly planned a packed schedule of events featuring some of Bangladesh’s most popular artists and bands. From large-scale outdoor concerts in public parks to campus-based musical showcases, the city is expected to transform into a dynamic cultural hub during the Boishakh period.
Table of Contents
Major open-air concert in Banani
A key highlight of this year’s celebrations will be a 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 attract large crowds of music enthusiasts and Boishakh revellers.
The concert will feature performances by leading Bangladeshi musicians, including Habib Wahid and Pritom Hasan, alongside several prominent bands from the country’s contemporary music scene. According to organisers, the programme will combine high-energy stage performances with festive Boishakh-themed presentations designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.
Universities join festive celebrations
Alongside citywide concerts, a number of private universities in Dhaka are hosting their own Pahela Baishakh events, turning campuses into vibrant spaces of music and youth celebration.
One of the central attractions will be the acclaimed band Chirkutt, which is set to perform at multiple university venues over three consecutive days. Known for their fusion of alternative rock and Bangla musical traditions, the band is expected to draw strong student audiences with a setlist featuring some of their most popular songs, including “Jadur Shohor”, “Ahare Jibon”, “Duniya” and “Kanamachi”.
Chirkutt performance schedule
| Date | Institution | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 April | North South University | 3:00 PM | Boishakh Concert |
| 14 April | East West University | 11:00 AM | Campus Performance |
| 15 April | United International University | To be announced | Boishakh Concert |
The band will begin its university tour at East West University at 11:00 AM on 14 April, followed by a performance later the same day at North South University at 3:00 PM. The tour will conclude on 15 April at United International University, with the timing yet to be confirmed.
Chirkutt’s lead vocalist Sharmin Sultana Sumi expressed excitement about performing during the festive season, highlighting the strong connection between the band and young 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 transformation
Beyond the headline concerts, Dhaka will also host a variety of smaller musical gatherings, cultural shows and traditional Boishakh performances across neighbourhoods and institutions. These events are expected to feature folk music, dance performances and artistic showcases that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.
The growing scale of Pahela Baishakh celebrations in urban Bangladesh has turned the occasion into one of the country’s most significant cultural festivals, particularly in Dhaka, where public participation continues to expand each year.
With a blend of established musical icons, rising performers and enthusiastic youth participation, this year’s celebrations are set to transform the capital into a vibrant stage of sound and spectacle—where tradition and modernity meet in a shared expression of festivity and renewal.