DHAKA, Mar 31 (V7N) — Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced on Tuesday that the final decision regarding the naming of the traditional Bangla New Year procession will be made by the Cabinet. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the Minister emphasized that while Pahela Boishakh will be celebrated in its traditional festive style, the government is reviewing whether the Fine Arts procession should return to its original name.

The debate centers on whether the event should be called "Mangal Shobhajatra" (Procession of Well-being)—the name it has held for nearly three decades and under which it was recognized by UNESCO—or return to its 1989 debut name, "Ananda Shobhajatra" (Joyful Procession). During the previous interim government, the name was shifted to "Ananda Shobhajatra," a move the current Minister suggested was unnecessary.

Key Highlights from the Press Conference:

  • Unity in Diversity: Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury stated that the government’s goal is to build a "united Bangladesh" where people can celebrate their culture in their own way, free from both "fascist thinking and fundamentalist ideas."

  • Restoring Glory: The Minister noted that the BNP-led government intends to restore the country's "lost glory" by focusing on historical truth. He argued that the current controversy over the naming is a "pointless division" that the Cabinet seeks to resolve.

  • Traditional Style: Regardless of the naming decision, the Minister assured that the celebrations—including the vibrant masks, motifs, and folk displays—will remain central to the festivities on April 14 (1st of Boishakh).

The naming issue has become a flashpoint in recent weeks, with various cultural and religious groups providing conflicting opinions. While the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University has previously expressed a desire to return to the original "Ananda Shobhajatra" to move away from political connotations, others argue that "Mangal Shobhajatra" is a globally recognized symbol of Bangladeshi identity.

The Cabinet's decision, expected during their next meeting on Thursday, April 2, will provide the final roadmap for the national celebration of the year 1433 according to the Bengali calendar.

END/SMA/AJ