Dhaka, Apr 11 (V7N) – The iconic New Year’s procession known as ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ will be organized this year under the name ‘Barshavaran Ananda Shobhajatra’, according to an official announcement made by Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts at a press conference held on Friday (April 11).

The briefing, organized to shed light on the upcoming Bangla Nababarsha 1432 celebrations, was attended by several top officials of Dhaka University including Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-VCs Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha and Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh.

Clarifying the much-discussed name change, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts stressed that no pressure from the government influenced the decision. He described the shift as a return to the original name, stating that when the procession began in 1986, it was known as ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’, only adopting the title ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ from 1990 onwards.

However, the University Proctor noted that the word “Mangal” has generated controversial interpretations in parts of society, prompting the rebranding as a more inclusive and festive identity.

This year’s theme centers on “the end of fascism and promotion of unity.” As a result, the procession will feature creative motifs including:

  • Anti-fascist portraits

  • Water bottles marked ‘Mughdhar’

  • Palanquins and peace doves

  • Watermelon-shaped installations protesting the attacks on Palestine

The organizers emphasized that these elements are not just symbolic, but part of a broader cultural resistance narrative embedded in the celebrations.

  • Participants: People from 28 ethnic communities and over 100 students from private universities are expected to take part.

  • Procession Route: Starting from the Faculty of Fine Arts, the route will pass through Shahbagh, Raju Sculpture, Shaheed Minar, and Doel Chattar, returning to the starting point.

  • Special Features: The parade will include eight decorated horses, and members of the general public are encouraged to join.

Although law enforcement personnel will not be stationed in front of the procession, comprehensive security measures are in place. Three key roads will be closed, and Shahbagh and TSC metro stations will remain shut until 12 noon today. The university gate will close at 5 PM for added safety.

The ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ has been celebrated as a major non-communal cultural event since the 1980s and was included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage on November 30, 2016, following a recommendation by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

While the government hinted at a possible name change earlier, DU authorities have reiterated that this is not an erasure of tradition, but a reversion to its cultural roots, aligning with this year’s theme of inclusivity and resistance.

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