The sky blazed with light and meaning this evening as a mesmerising drone show illuminated Manik Mia Avenue, marking Pahela Baishakh—the first day of the Bengali New Year—with soaring symbolism and technical finesse.
Jointly organised by the governments of Bangladesh and China, with technical support from the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, the spectacle commenced at 7pm on Monday (14 April) in front of the National Parliament building.
A six-member Chinese expert team worked on the project from February, with thirteen drone specialists piloting the dazzling display.
Spanning 14 minutes, the performance featured 2,600 synchronised drones that traced twelve stunning motifs across the night sky.
These included depictions of cultural identity, the fearless sacrifice of Shaheed Abu Sayeed during the July Uprising, women’s empowerment, folk traditions, unity, and the deepening friendship between Bangladesh and China.
One formation also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian liberation movement, drawing appreciative murmurs from the crowd below.
Earlier in the afternoon, the area in front of the Parliament was cordoned off as thousands gathered to partake in the festivities.
A concert at 3pm set the tone for the day, culminating in a high-energy performance by the rock band Ashes after the drone display.
Between 3pm and 5pm, the stretch near the South Plaza transformed into a vibrant Baishakhi fair.
Shopkeepers lined the road with stalls adorned with traditional wares—Ektaara instruments, dolls, balloons, flutes, wooden horses, jute bags, painted frames, and toys of every hue.
As the festival of colour, culture and connection drew to a close, the luminous memory of 2,600 drones weaving stories in the sky lingered over Dhaka—an unforgettable ode to the spirit of Pahela Baishakh.
