Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said that the name of the New Year's Mangal Shobhajatra may be changed.
The adviser shared this information with reporters after a meeting on the national celebration of the Bengali New Year as well as the New Year celebrations of the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, and other ethnic groups at the Secretariat on Sunday.
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A meeting will be held at Dhaka University on Monday to finalise the new name, he added.
Farooki also said that this year’s Mangal Shobhajatra, which will involve participation from all ethnic groups, will feature new elements including colours, scents, and melodies.
He mentioned that "this time you will see new things in the Shobhajatra that will come out from the Fine Arts. You will witness these changes firsthand."
“We won’t reveal all the details yet; it’s a teaser. Those who join will see the changes for themselves,” he added.
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He further said that this Shobhajatra was initially called ‘Anando Shobhajatra’, and later it became ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’. Since it has already undergone one name change, it could change again if there’s consensus. If everyone is in favour, it might not be changed.”
The adviser said this year’s Shobhajatra is no longer just for Bangalees; it is for everyone — Bangalees, Chakmas, Marmas, Garos, and others.
“We must ensure the name reflects inclusivity, so it doesn’t feel exclusive or limited to one group. We want to avoid putting anyone in a bracket,” said the adviser.