The government has renamed the Bangla new year procession 'Boishakhi Shobhajatra' - aimed at promoting unity through inclusive celebration.
The procession was renamed 'Ananda Shobhajatra' during the tenure of the immediate-past interim government. Before that, it was known as 'Mangal Shobhajatra'.
"We will not call it 'Ananda Shobhajatra' or 'Mangal Shobhajatra'. The procession will simply be named 'Boishakhi Shobhajatra'," Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury informed the media after a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.
He said the decision was taken to avoid division and bring an end to the ongoing debate over the name of the traditional procession of 'Pohela Boishakh' (the first day of Bangla new year).
"We do not want division; we do not want discord or conflict among people. We want unity in diversity. In a democratic society, people of different opinions and ideologies coexist, and such diversity reflects its strength."
The minister said the procession is a long-standing cultural tradition, inherited from earlier generations, particularly from the farming community.
"As their successors, we find ourselves debating the name, and we want to resolve this issue. Following discussions at multiple meetings, including today's one, the government has finalised the new name."
He noted that the new year procession would be organised with dignity and inclusivity, allowing people to participate with their own traditions, music, instruments, and attire.
"People will take part with their own cultural expressions, making it a festive and inclusive procession."
He maintained that the new name reflects the broader spirit of Boishakh, similar to how events like Boishakhi fairs are referred to. "We want to highlight Boishakh in everything associated with it. This is our decision."
The renaming, therefore, is not just administrative; it touches a deeply rooted cultural tradition, the minister added.
The vibrant procession has been brought out for decades from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University (DU) on 'Pohela Boishakh'. The procession - born from the creative movement of students and teachers at DU - has been more than a festive parade.
With its giant masks, folk motifs and bold colours, it has stood as a cultural statement of unity, resistance and Bangla identity, especially during politically turbulent times.
As the first light of the Bangla new year breaks, the streets of Dhaka will fill with colour, rhythm and symbolism, and thousands walking together in celebration of heritage.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com