Bangladesh changes name, contents of UNESCO-recognised New Year procession

ANI April 12, 2025 199 views

Bangladesh has decided to modify its traditional Bengali New Year procession, responding to demands from Islamic political parties seeking to reduce Hindu cultural influences. The UNESCO-recognised Mangal Shobhajatra will now be called Barshavaran Ananda Shobhajatra, marking a significant cultural shift. The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, describes this change as part of a policy of "inclusiveness" and cultural healing. Religious groups like Hefazat-e-Islam argued that previous celebrations imposed Hindu cultural elements under the guise of universality.

"This year's Pokela Boishakh will be characterised by cultural healing and cultural inclusiveness" - Mostafa Sarwar Faruki
Dhaka, April 12: Bangladesh has decided to change the name and contents of the UNESCO-recognised traditional procession for the Bengali New Year.

Key Points

1

Bangladesh renames UNESCO-recognised New Year procession to reduce Hindu cultural references

2

Interim government led by Yunus advocates cultural inclusiveness

3

Religious groups demanded elimination of perceived Hindu symbols

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Mangal Shobhajatra transformed into Barshavaran Ananda Shobhajatra

Several Islamic political parties and religious organisations were demanding a change, claiming that the name and contents of the procession are similar to Hindu culture.

Bangladesh will celebrate Bengali New Year 1432, popularly known as "Pohela Boishakh," on April 14. Mangal Shobhajatra, a mass procession organised by the teachers and students of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University, is considered an expression of the secular identity of the Bangladeshi people. It was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2016, categorised on the representative list as a heritage of humanity.

The name of the Bengali New Year's procession, "Mangal Shobhajatra", has been changed to "Barshavaran Ananda Shobhajatra". This information was announced at a press conference at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University on Friday.

The interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus described the changes as part of the government of "New Bangladesh" policy of "inclusiveness."

"This year's Pokela Boishakh will be characterised by cultural healing and cultural inclusiveness," Mostafa Sarwar Faruki, Adviser for cultural Affairs to the interim government, said.

Hefazat-e-Islam, the largest religious group in Bangladesh, Ameer Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman have commented that in the past, the Hindu Janmashtami religious ritual of the Pohela Boishakh celebrations has been imposed on everyone in the name of universality.

"Hindutva symbols, concepts and connotations, including the word 'Mangal', must be eliminated from the celebrations of Pohela Boishakh," said Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, the Peer of Charmonai.

Reader Comments

A
Ayesha K.
I understand the need for inclusiveness, but changing a UNESCO-recognized tradition feels like erasing part of our cultural identity. The Mangal Shobhajatra has always been about unity, not any particular religion. 🤔
R
Rafiq H.
As someone who's participated in the procession for years, I'm happy with the changes. The new name sounds more inclusive while keeping the festive spirit alive. Let's celebrate our shared Bengali heritage!
T
Tasnim M.
The government should focus on real issues like inflation instead of renaming cultural events. This feels like unnecessary political correctness. The original procession was beautiful as it was!
S
Shahidul R.
While I respect the decision, I hope the artistic essence of the procession remains unchanged. The masks and floats created by the Fine Arts students are what make it special. Can't wait to see this year's celebration! 🎭
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Nadia A.
Interesting development. I wonder if UNESCO needs to be notified about the name change since it's on their heritage list? Either way, Pohela Boishakh will always be my favorite holiday! 🌸
F
Farhan J.
Respectful criticism: The article could have included more voices from the Hindu community about how they feel about these changes. Cultural heritage belongs to all Bangladeshis, not just certain groups.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Bangladesh New Year Pohela Boishakh Cultural Heritage UNESCO Muhammad Yunus Religious Transformation
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