In Pictures: Preparations for upcoming Pohela Boishakh

Mangal Shobhajatra is a festival organized by students and teachers of Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Art in Bangladesh open to the public to celebrate Pahela Baishakh (New Year’s Day).

Taking place on April 14, the tradition of Mangal Shobhajatra began in 1989 when students, frustrated with having to live under military rule, wanted to bring people in the community hope for a better future.

Members of the university faculty work together a month before the festival to create masks (said to drive away evil forces and allow for progress) and floats.

Our photographer took these images from Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Art.