Abu Jakir :
In a significant shift, this year’s Bangla New Year procession organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University (DU) will be held under the name “Borshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra,” marking a departure from the traditional title “Mangal Shobhajatra.”
The announcement was made at a press conference on Friday by Prof. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Fine Arts Faculty.
“The new name reflects a revival of the original spirit of the procession which began in 1989 as ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ before being renamed as ‘Mangal Shobhajatra,'” said Prof. Sheikh.
“This year’s ‘Borshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra’ captures the country’s multi-dimensional cultural heritage, the collective hopes and dreams of its people, and a commitment to a liberal, inclusive society.”
The event, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on April 14, will begin at the Faculty of Fine Arts. The vibrant procession will pass through Shahbagh, Raju sculpture, Shahid Minar, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy, before returning to its starting point.
The theme for this year’s Bangla New Year celebrations is “Naboborshoer OikyoTan, Fascibader Oboshan” (The Harmony of the New Year, the End of Fascism), signaling a strong stance against intolerance and in favor of unity and freedom of expression.
High-ranking university officials, including DU Vice Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro Vice Chancellors Prof. Sayema Haque Bidisha and Prof. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Prof. M. Jahangir Alam, and Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, were present at the press conference.
Prof. Sheikh emphasized that the festivities this year aim to foster a sense of belonging and cultural participation among all communities. “From the hills to the plains, everyone-regardless of ethnicity-will celebrate this New Year together,” he said. “This is a step toward building a humane and inclusive nation.”
The procession will feature 20 decorated horses at the front and a convoy of rickshaws at the rear, with the general public joining from behind. Participants will include representatives from 28 ethnic communities, private universities, youth bands, and artistes from regions like Bandarban. Cultural icons such as BAMBA musicians, Baul saints, farmers’ collectives, and mainstream performers will also take part.
Notable features of the procession will include: Seven large motifs, such as a fascist face, a wooden tiger, Hilsa fish, watermelon slices symbolizing Israeli oppression in Palestine, peace pigeons, palanquins, and water bottles commemorating martyr Mugdha.
Medium motifs will showcase Sultanate and Mughal face masks, native birds, horses, traditional fishing traps, ploughs, and artworks highlighting the country’s iconic landscapes.
Other highlights include performances by the Sadhana Dance Organization, Rangdhanu Garment Workers’ Artistes Group, female footballers, acrobats, and rickshaw and horse-drawn carriage rallies.
Security measures have also been announced. The DU campus will be accessible only via Nilkhet and Palashi Road, and the Shahbagh and TSC metro stations will remain closed from 8:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the celebration.
Meanwhile, the Interim government has rolled out an extensive program to mark Pahela Baishakh 1432 in an inclusive manner, aiming to celebrate not only the Bangla New Year but also the new years of various ethnic communities.
The decision was finalized at an inter-ministerial meeting held on March 23 at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, chaired by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.
“For the first time, the government is organizing a national-level inclusive festival involving ethnic groups such as the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Garo communities,” said an official handout issued by the Ministry on April 8.
As Bangladesh steps into the new year, the rebranding of the procession and the broader inclusion of marginalized voices promise a celebration that honors both heritage and harmony-offering a powerful reminder of the country’s cultural richness and progressive aspirations.
