After regime change, Dhaka Poila Baisakh event changes name
Times of India | 12 April 2025
Kolkata: Since the Aug uprising, this is the first Poila Baisakh celebration in Bangladesh, and it will have the least participation of Bengalis from India. Organised by the faculty of fine arts at the University of Dhaka, the procession marking the Bengali New Year, formerly known as ‘Mangal Shobhajatra', will be called ‘Borsho Boron Anondo Shobhajatra' this year. This development, announced on Friday, has elicited diverse reactions across India, ranging from being deemed inconsequential to being perceived as the new administration acquiescing to fundamentalist pressure.
According to reports in ‘The Daily Star', the decision was conveyed in a press conference on Friday. The name was first initiated by the faculty of fine arts at Dhaka University in 1989 as ‘Anondo Shobhajatra', as a symbol of the unity of people against the autocratic rule. In 1990, it was renamed ‘Mangal Shobhajatra', and later, in 1993, the name was officially documented. Those who attended the celebration in Dhaka are aware of how, at the crack of dawn on April 14, colossal masks, vivid motifs, and meticulously handcrafted effigies add colour to the procession to celebrate the pride in the Bengali identity. In 2016, Unesco recognised the ‘Mangal Shobhajatra' as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
On Friday, Azharul Islam Chanchal, convener of the Nababarsa 1432 Celebration Committee, told the media that the original name of the celebration, ‘Anondo Shobhajatra', has been restored. "In the past, there were setbacks under the banner of ‘Mangal' (meaning well-being). The word ‘Mangal' was used by fascist regimes in a way that left negative connotations in society. That's why we want to return to the original spirit, a time of spontaneous participation by all people, free from political aggression disguised as cultural practice," he was quoted in the media.
Cultural activist Subha Prasad Nandi Majumdar, who attended the programme in Dhaka last year, said the name change doesn't matter if the content doesn't depict "a departure from the basic essence". Saikat Sekhareswar Ray, faculty of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), who attended the ceremony in 2012, indicated that the change is "secondary" to the spirit in which it is received and its interpretation by people. "I recall the controversy surrounding the owl symbol used in the ‘Mangal Shobhajatra', which certain individuals criticised for its perceived Hindu connotations. If we can celebrate without attributing such meanings, I'm certain we shall have a splendid time welcoming the new year, unburdened by unnecessary divisions," Ray said.
Director Soumitra Dastidar, who frequently visits Bangladesh, isn't bothered about the name change. But he acknowledges that the word ‘mangal' possesses a religious connotation. "The authorities might not formally acknowledge it, but there exists a possibility that they wish to eliminate such a word to circumvent this religious association," Dastidar said.
Kolkata-based musician Pulak Sarkar, who has been going to Dhaka to participate in their Poila Baisakh programme since 2011, is unperturbed by the name change. But he is missing being in Dhaka now. "Since 2011, every year on Bangladesh's Poila Baisakh (April 14), 1,000 singers from various parts of Bangladesh perform in unison. I used to conduct this event and lead the rehearsals. This year, they are organising it on a smaller scale. The organisers have contacted me via phone, seeking my advice on conducting the show remotely. We communicate through WhatsApp calls," Sarkar said.
Arka Bhaduri, an independent journalist who spent five years in Dhaka during Poila Baisakh, said the main theme of the event is anti-fascism. "The 26th batch of students from the Charukala department has decided to boycott the event, claiming it is politically motivated. However, the dean has assured that the 26th batch is outgoing, and the current batch will participate wholeheartedly. I am satisfied with the preparations," Bhaduri said.
Plans are underway to host a two-day celebration to welcome the Bengali new year in Dhaka. Film-maker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the state adviser on cultural affairs in Bangladesh, has announced that the celebrations will feature participation from various ethnic communities, including Chakma, Marma, Santal, and Garo. "I have never seen these ethnic communities take centre stage at the Poila Baisakh event. I am very happy with this inclusive initiative," Dastidar said.