Dhaka University (DU) is set to rename its iconic 'Mangal Shobhajatra' to 'Boishakh Shobhajatra' after nearly three decades, marking a significant shift in the celebration of Bengali New Year.
The procession, which has been a cultural staple since 1989, will undergo this historic name change for this year's Pohela Boishakh festivities.
Professor Dr Azharul Islam Chanchal, Dean of Faculty of Fine Arts, confirmed the incident on Wednesday (March 19) that preparations are already underway. "Our workshop for the Bengali New Year has started from today. We are preparing to celebrate Pohela Boishakh. However, the theme and other aspects of this year's procession will be finalised between March 23-24," he stated.
The university administration has not yet made an official announcement regarding the name change, with formal details expected to be revealed between 23-24 March. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Fine Arts has begun preliminary activities by launching a workshop aimed at raising funds for crafting essential items such as pots, watercolours, and masks for the celebration. Renowned artist Professor Dr Abdus Sattar inaugurated the workshop by creating a painting on Wednesday afternoon.
While Pohela Boishakh celebrations date back several centuries, 'Mangal Shobhajatra' tradition is relatively recent. The procession first emerged in Jessore in 1985 during the military rule, spearheaded by fine artist Mahbub Jamal Shamim, a Dhaka University Institute of Fine Arts alumnus who established the Charupith institution in Jessore. The initiative was designed to nurture unity through folk culture presentations while symbolically praying for auspicious powers and the elimination of evil forces.
The tradition expanded to Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts in 1989, initially dubbed 'Ananda Shobhajatra' (Joy Procession) in response to the political climate of the time. By 1996, according to various media sources, the event had adopted the name 'Mangal Shobhajatra', which it has retained until now.
This name change represents not only a linguistic shift but potentially signals a new chapter in how Bangladesh's premier university celebrates its cultural heritage.
The Mangal Shobhajatra, recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, has been a powerful symbol of cultural identity and resistance for the past 36 years since its inception at the university.
NRE/SH
