CIU Blossoms with Cultural Delights
Chittagong Bureau Chief, Daily Nayer Alo
In a vibrant celebration of the arrival of spring, Chittagong Independent University (CIU) hosted a lively event filled with cultural performances and culinary delights. Dr. Mahfuzul Haque Chowdhury, the Vice Chancellor of CIU, was spotted perusing the stalls of delectable treats as the gentle breeze of Phalgun painted a picturesque scene.
The event kicked off with a bustling cake festival, showcasing a rich array of traditional Bengali sweets, including Puli, Chitai, Nakshi, Patisapta, and more, reminiscent of rural home kitchens. The campus was engulfed in the fragrant aroma of spring flowers as students donned yellow Punjabis and saris, capturing the essence of the season in beloved selfies.
A stall named ‘Basanti’ was decorated in full native attire at this event of CIU. Ms. Tasnim Aktar Ahona, a representative there and first semester student of BBA, told Daily Nayer Alo, “We were actually very confused about how our stall would actually be. But when we came to the program, we saw that all the pithas were sold out ahead of time. Also, to learn about many pithas I did, I learned a lot of pie making. I think this experience is really amazing.”
Another stall of the Department of English, named Khai Dai Zaun, was ornated with so many pithas and local foods. A representative from that stall, Ms. Farhana Afrin told Daily Nayer Alo, “The sales have met our expectations. We have learned new things and Alhamdulillah the event went so well. We expect the juniors will also come forward to innovate new ideas to uphold the national culinary culture among us.”
One of the executives of CIU Cultural Club, Mr. Fardin Hasan Tonoy told the Daily Nayer Alo, “Spring has sprung so many sprites in our soul. As we pass a really hectic time, such events are really helpful for us to find refreshments over monotony.” He also said, “This is one of the most vibrant annual events of CIU. Now we are working on this, we hope the new students and future generation will be motivated to liberate them from the screen based life.”
As the festivities continued, the cultural segment commenced with a soulful rendition of the song “Aha Aaj Ei Bosonte” by a talented student, followed by captivating performances of Rabindrasangeet, folk songs, recitations, and dances. Notable performers included Shreya, Jinan, Arijit, Sharmi, Tandra, Sanjana, Mahinur, Siyam, Pusphita, Puja, Bushra, Ishmam, Dev, Moumita, Alpona, and Alvi.
Dr. Robaka Shams, the advisor of CIU’s Cultural Club, oversaw the coordination of the event, while two accomplished students, Sanjana, Sharmi, and Nila, led the presentation. Faculty advisors, deans, teachers, registrars, and administrative staff from CIU’s four schools also participated, adding to the festive atmosphere of the occasion.