Nobanno festival cancelled over security concerns

The annual Nobanno Festival, a Bengali harvest festival celebrated in Bangladesh and parts of India, including West Bengal, has been cancelled due to political unrest and safety concerns.

The Jatiya Nabanna Utsab Udjapan Parshad announced the decision shortly after initially confirming the event at Chhayanaut Sanskriti Bhaban on Sunday morning (November 14).

Naeem Hasan Suja, general secretary of the Jatiya Nabanna Utsab Udjapan Parshad, cited rising public anxiety following reports of a “shutdown” programme by the Awami League, as well as the inability to secure suitable venues, as key reasons for the cancellation.

He emphasized that the safety of artists, children, and guardians was the top priority.

Meanwhile, the Shororitu Udjapan Jatiya Parshad said it will hold a separate celebration of Nobanno 1432 at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi at 4.00pm, continuing its nationwide initiative to promote seasonal cultural festivals.