NN Online:
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said the name of the New Year’s Mangal Shobhajatra may be changed.
The adviser made the announcement to the media after a meeting on the national celebration of the Bengali New Year as well as the New Year celebrations of the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, and other ethnic groups at the Secretariat on Sunday, reports UNB.
A meeting will be held at Dhaka University on Monday to finalise the new name, he added.
Farooki also said this year’s Mangal Shobhajatra, which will involve participation from all ethnic groups, will feature new elements including colours, scents, and melodies.
He said, “This time you will see new things in the Shobhajatra that will come out from the Fine Arts. You will witness these changes first hand. We won’t reveal all the details yet; it’s a teaser. Those who join will see the changes for themselves.”
He further said, “This Shobhajatra was initially called ‘Anando Shobhajatra,’ and later it became ‘Mangal Shobhajatra.’ Since it has already undergone one name change, it could change again if there’s consensus. If everyone is in favour, it might not be changed.”
The adviser said this year’s Shobhajatra is no longer just for Bangalees; it is for everyone – Bangalees, Chakmas, Marmas, Garos, and others.
“We must ensure the name reflects inclusivity, so it doesn’t feel exclusive or limited to one group. We want to avoid putting anyone in a bracket,” said the adviser.
