Dhaka, Mar 24 (V7N)– This year's Pahela Baishakh celebrations will span two days, with preparations already underway for the Mangal Shobhajatra, organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University (DU). However, there has been no discussion about changing the name of the Mangal Shobhajatra, despite recent misinterpretations in the media, said Cultural Affairs Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui.

Farooqui clarified the matter after a New Year's Eve meeting held at DU's Senate Building on Monday.

 "We never discussed renaming the Mangal Shobhajatra. This issue was misquoted and misrepresented in the media," he said.

Theme and Participation for This Year's Celebration

This year’s Mangal Shobhajatra will be held under the theme:

"New Year's Unity, End of Fascism."

Farooqui also announced that, for the first time, ethnic minority groups and private universities will participate in the celebration, making it more inclusive and diverse.

Backing Farooqui's statement, Professor Azhar Islam Chanchal, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, stated:

 "There was no discussion about changing the name of Mangal Shobhajatra. The theme was finalized in today’s meeting, and work is underway to form committees and sub-committees for the event."

Professor Saima Haque Bidisha has been appointed as the convener of a subcommittee related to the event.

The Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts will lead the procession implementation committee.

Additional committees and subcommittees are also being formed to ensure a well-organized celebration.

With DU's Faculty of Fine Arts leading the preparations, the two-day Bengali New Year celebrations promise to be vibrant, inclusive, and steeped in cultural traditions.

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