The carnival of life
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. This year the parade will feature birds, horses and cages.
Masks, made with paper and paper-maché, are other attractions. Bright colours are used to finish off the masks. Tigers, lions, rabbits and more -- the masks are a visual delight.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. However, as delightful as the stunning masks and replicas are, there is the issue of funds. A parade of this magnitude costs a pretty penny. Big shot brand names have been sponsoring the arrangements for the last few years. This year, however, students and teachers of IFA decided that they do not need sponsors. Why? The common sentiment is that the rally is part of the mass Baishakhi celebration and should not be commercialised.
How the funds were generated is an inspiring phenomenon indeed. Students sold beautiful shora (clay pots) and paintings while artworks by renowned artists (teachers and ex-students of IFA) were auctioned at the Zainul Gallery.
The shoras featuring rural motifs, human and animals faces were sold at a price range of Tk 200-500. Paintings by the students were priced in the same range. The subjects were varied, ranging from skateboarders to rakhal balok (youngster tending cattle) riding an ox. Other themes include fishing, traditional boats of Bengal, cranes, human faces and nature.
The paintings, woodwork, clay figurines and more, auctioned at the Zainul Gallery began from Taka 5,000 and went up to Taka 25,000. Dr Farida Zaman's Amar Bhalobasha in the beginning of the line-up is eye-catching; the blazing shades of orange and crimson capture the essence of the season Grishmo (summer). Jamal Ahmed's Bahomaan Nodi highlights rural people still making a living of string-pulling boats from the riverside. Shishir Bhattacharya's untitled work displaying a mermaid, an owl, a tiger, a snake and a human with the head of a bird, fish scales and stretching roots from the hands, is intriguing.
All these endeavors, a labour of love, will culminate today with the parade; a parade that has become a fête of the urban masses -- young and old. Here's hoping the dazzling hues and unconstrained energy will diminish the weariness of the year gone by and usher in a promising new year.