Ethnic groups to feature in next Mangal Shobhajatra

An inclusive Mangal Shobhajatra will be held on Pahela Baishakh this year, featuring participation from various ethnic communities, including Chakma, Marma, Santal, and Garo.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at Dhaka University's Senate Bhaban yesterday.

The meeting began around 11:00am with DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan in the chair. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki also joined the meeting.

Apart from the DU VC, various stakeholders including different cultural figures from the Dhaka University Senate were present at the the meeting, among others.

Talking to The Daily Star, DU Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed said there is a vision to make the Mangal Shobhajatra, an inclusive event for different ethnic groups, not just Bangalees.

The meeting focused on the how the country's ethnic communities and other organisations can participate and how many people will be involved in the procession.

Additionally, he confirmed that there has been no change in the timing of the Mangal Shobhajatra procession compared to previous years.

"There was no discussion during the meeting about changing the name of the Mangal Shobhajatra," he stated.

DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said, "There will be one central committee for the celebration of Pahela Baishakh. There will also four sub-committees within this central committee."

DU Pro-VC Sayema Haque Bidisha has been appointed as the convener of this central committee, while Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Azharul Islam Sheikh will serve as the member secretary of the committee, according to Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

Bangladesh's national women football team will also join the procession.

This year's theme of Mangal Shobhajatra is -- "Noboborsher Oikyatan, Fasibaad er Oboshan" (Harmony of the New Year, End of Fascism).

Talking to the media, Farooki said, "This year, the festival will be celebrated over two days nationally, including Chaitra Sangkranti with the Mangal Shobhajatra on Pahela Baishakh."

Many cultural organisations representing different ethnicities will participate in the fest, Farooki said, adding, "This time, it will be bigger, better, and more vibrant."