No need to rename Mangal Shobhajatra as Anondo Shobhajatra: Culture Minister

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has stated that there was no need to change the name of the 'Mangal Shobhajatra'. He made the remark while announcing the traditional procession as part of the Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebrations.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he said, “Whatever the caretaker government did regarding the Mangal Shobhajatra, we will not follow it. We recognize both the mistakes and the good they did. They renamed it ‘Anondo Shobhajatra,’ for which we express our thanks, but there was no need for this change” on Tuesday (March 31).

Mangal Shobhajatra, a key feature of Pohela Boishakh, originally began in 1989 as Anondo Shobhajatra, organized by the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. From the following year, it became widely known as Mangal Shobhajatra. In 2016, the procession was inscribed on UNESCO’s list as an intangible cultural heritage under the name “Mangal Shobhajatra on Pohela Boishakh,” giving it global recognition.

Last year, the University of Dhaka had announced renaming the procession to “Borshoboron Anondo Shobhajatra,” sparking criticism and debate on April 11.

The Culture Minister emphasized, “Pohela Boishakh will be celebrated in its traditional form. Whether it is called Ananda or Mangal Shobhajatra, it remains a Shobhajatra. Changing the name should not divide the nation. The government stands against fascist and extremist thinking.”

Regarding UNESCO recognition, he added, “UNESCO’s recognition is not the point. Our culture will be celebrated our way. Pohela Boishakh has been observed for thousands of years. We want unity in diversity for a united Bangladesh. The BNP government wants to establish truth as truth and restore lost glory.”