‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ renamed

The traditional procession held in the capital to celebrate Bengali New Year, organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka, has been renamed.

The procession will now be known as ‘Borshoboron Anondo Shobhajatra’ (New Year Celebration Joyful Procession). It was previously called ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ (Procession of Well-being).

The announcement was made at a press conference on Friday at the Faculty of Fine Arts.

At the press conference, it was stated that the Faculty of Fine Arts has traditionally celebrated Pahela Baishakh—the Bengali New Year—with a festive and colorful procession. This celebration holds special significance in the country’s cultural landscape. As in previous years, the Faculty of Fine Arts is preparing to organize events marking Pahela Baishakh and the Bengali New Year 1432. Preparations are currently underway for the vibrant procession.

The slogan for this year’s procession is: “Harmony of the New Year, End of Fascism.” In line with this theme, the procession will showcase the timeless cultural heritage and folk traditions of Bengal. Organizers have stated that, in light of the political changes that occurred in July and August last year, which led to the departure of ‘fascism,’ the procession will also convey a message that such authoritarianism should never return.

Present at the press conference were Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan; the Convener of the Central Coordination Committee for Bengali New Year 1432 celebrations and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr Saima Haque Bidisha; Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed; Treasurer, Professor M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury; Member Secretary of the Central Coordination Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Professor Dr Md Azharul Islam Sheikh; Member Secretary of the Procession Sub-Committee, Professor A.A.M. Kawsar Hasan; Proctor Saifuddin Ahmad; and other members of the central coordination committee and sub-committees.

Since 1989, the Faculty of Fine Arts has organized processions on Pahela Baishakh. Initially called Anondo Shobhajatra (Joyful Procession), the procession was renamed Mangal Shobhajatra (Procession of Well-being) in the 1990s during the anti-autocracy movement, symbolising the banishment of evil and the welcoming of good fortune. For over three decades, it has been celebrated under this name.