Mongol Shobhajatra recognised as 'Intangible Cultural Heritage'

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently declared Mongol Shobhajatra, a unique celebratory procession of hailing Bangla New Year, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

To rejoice the occasion, Faculty of Fine Art (FFA) (popularly known as Charukala) of University of Dhaka (DU) has organised a celebration programme on the theme “Esho Gahi Mongoler Joyogaan” at Bakultala of FFA today at 1pm. 

“To hail Bangla New Year, FFA of DU has been organising Mongol Shobhajatra from the Bangla year 1396 (1989 AD). The Mongol Shobhajatra has recently been declared as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Inter Governmental Committee of ICH, UNESCO. Like the entire country, we are delighted and proud of achieving such an honour. So, we would like to take part in a celebratory programme with those who were involved in the initial arrangement of the Mongol Shobhajatra, especially the 27 students of 1986-1987 session of Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University. We would also like to accord a special reception to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and its associate organisation Bangla Academy for their significant roles in attaining the global recognition of the Mongol Shobhajatra,” said Professor Nisar Hossain, dean, FFA, in a written statement. 

DU Vice Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique will hand over the mementos to the honoured personalities and institutions at the programme. Eminent artist and president of Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Mustafa Monwar and Supernumerary Professor of the Department of Drawing and Painting, Professor Rafiqun Nabi will adorn the representatives and recipients with uttario.

The Mongol Shobhajatra, a procession brought out by students, teachers and alumni of FFA, DU, has become an integral part of Pahela Baishakh, the biggest celebration of secular Bangla culture. Every year, the procession centres on a theme relevant to the country's culture and politics.

Mongol Shobhajatra features large colourful masks, various animal-shaped carnival floats, replicas of birds, dragonflies, butterflies, chorka [spinning wheel], traditional dolls and other motifs of Bangladeshi culture that highlight the traditional folklore of Bangladesh.