Dhaka, Mar 23 (V7N) – The final decision on whether to rename the Mangal Shobhajatra this year will be made in a separate meeting on Monday (March 24), according to Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui, the interim government's Cultural Affairs Advisor.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday (March 23) afternoon, Farooqui emphasized that excluding any culture from society is not auspicious and assured that people would witness a real change in this year’s Shobhajatra.

He pointed out that the Mangal Shobhajatra originally started as ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ and has undergone name changes in the past. "The name might change again this time. But it will not be a procession for Bengalis alone—it will be for everyone," he stated.

Farooqui also reassured that even if the name is altered, it will not affect UNESCO’s recognition of the festival, as the acknowledgment was granted based on the Shobhajatra itself, not just its name.

Regarding the Pohela Boishakh celebrations, the Cultural Affairs Advisor clarified that there will be no strict directive to conclude the festivities by evening, as was the case in previous years. However, he noted that the police will determine the duration of the events for security reasons.

He further announced that a rock concert will be held at Shilpakala Academy on Chaitra Sankranti (the last day of the Bengali calendar year). Additionally, on Pohela Boishakh, a cultural program will take place in front of the Parliament Building, and a drone show will be organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy.

A final decision on the renaming of Mangal Shobhajatra is expected after Monday’s meeting.

END/MSS/AJ