To late risers 6:30am is crack of dawn. Still a little chilly, foliage at Ramna Park still covered in mist. No display of exuberant colours in the urban nature. Doesn't really feel like spring. But hidden somewhere in the greenery a lone kokil announces the arrival of Bashonto aka Rituraaj, as labelled by Tagore.

At Bakultala, Charukala (Institute of Fine Arts) premises, members of Jatiyo Bashonto Udjapon Parishad were busy, all set to begin their cultural programme.

On the first day of Falgun (first month of spring in the Bengali calendar), the 'King of seasons' received a warm, rather informal, subtle welcome. Shades of saffron, yellow, orange and red were predominant. City trees may not have adorned themselves with flora but young women certainly did. Flowers were in plenty at the vendors' on the sidewalks. Roses and rajnigandha dominate the flower market throughout the year. But perhaps Pahela Falgun is one occasion when marigolds rule the day.

Around 7:00 am artistes were taking the stage; people were filling in the front rows. A big sign on the wall saying "Phul futuk aar na futuk, aaj Bashonto" seemed quite appropriate. Stage decoration lacked real flowers but the musicians of Chhayanat kicking off the programme made up for that and more with their delicate harmony. Queue of sitars stirred up a delightful melody, gradually sarod chimed in and tabla maintained the tempo -- a serene yet vibrant beginning.

A chorus rendition of the familiar Tagore song Orey bhai fagun legechhey bon-e bon-e, by artistes of Dhrubotan followed the instrumental performance. Artistes also performed Dokhin haowa.

Mita Haq rendered Tumi nabo nabo roop-e esho praney, Khayrul Anam Shakil performed Bashonto elo elo rey, and young dancers were encouraged by the enthusiastic crowd -- all in all, an enjoyable arrangement to usher in spring. By 8:00 am Charukala premises were teeming.

Bashonto Utshab did miss Shamsur Rahman and Waheedul Haq. But spring comes regardless of missing familiar faces and though it may not transform the world into a utopia, flowers, colours, music and dance do re-energise the soul. And that is no insignificant feat.