Mangal Shobhajatra reinstated: Why try to rebrand it in the first place?
While Farooki cites inclusivity as the rationale behind the now-scrapped proposal, critics ask what gives him or the government the authority to rebrand it
Though Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki had proposed to rebrand the historic Mangal Shobhajatra a day ago, he later informed reporters that the matter had not been discussed at a committee meeting and that the name would remain unchanged.
But it is still worth a discussion to understand the motive behind the proposal in the first place. Farooki cited "inclusivity" as a reason, but when has Pahela Baishakh been otherwise?
With the Hasina regime gone, Bangladesh is undergoing sweeping rebrandings — some welcomed by the masses, others met with criticism. This proposal was among the latter.
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"Is it even Farooki's place to decide whether the name Mangal Shobhajatra should change? This name has been in use for decades, and he does not have the right to change it," said prominent actor and director Mamunur Rashid.
"Another thing we need to consider — do the Chakma, Marma, and other ethnic groups celebrate Pahela Baishakh or new year on the same day as Bangalis? If they do, then we might consider including them," said Mamunur.
"But then again, the Chakma, Marma and other ethnicities have their own festivals and traditions. Why not celebrate those separately, on their own terms?" he asked. "Forcing them into a Bangali celebration is not necessary, nor is it fair to their unique cultural identities."
Aminul Hasan Litu, one of the founding organisers of the Mangal Shobhajatra rally, said, "We view this discussion of rebranding with suspicion. The students of DU Fine Arts organise this procession using money from selling their own artwork. It is not a government event, nor does it receive any state funding.
Since the government plays no role in financing or organising it, they also have no authority to change its name. From funding to participation, this is entirely a people's initiative… I do not understand the real motive behind this. If they have an issue with the name, they should clearly explain why. Are we, knowingly or unknowingly, giving in to fundamentalist pressure?
"Since the government plays no role in financing or organising it, they also have no authority to change its name. From funding to participation, this is entirely a people's initiative," he added.
Aminul noted that Mangal Shobhajatra carries a specific message — wishing well-being and prosperity for all.
"The proposal to change its name has deeply upset us. If the goal is to include the Chakma, Marma, and other ethnic communities, what problem do they have with the word Mangal?" he asked.
"I do not understand the real motive behind this. If they have an issue with the name, they should clearly explain why. Are we, knowingly or unknowingly, giving in to fundamentalist pressure? I firmly believe this matter is beyond the government's jurisdiction," Aminul elaborated further.
The proposal and the rationale
Farooki had said that renaming the rally would reflect a broader, more inclusive spirit. The procession, once rooted in Bangali traditions, would welcome the Chakma, Marma, Garo, Tripura and other ethnic communities.
He said the current name does not fully represent everyone taking part. "This time, the procession will not just be for Bangalis — it will be for everyone," he said, adding that since the event is evolving, its name should reflect that shift.
"It was started as Ananda Shobhajatra at first. If all agree at the Dhaka University meeting, the name might change again. It should be something that brings all communities under one umbrella," he added.
Farooki saw this as more than just a rebranding. "For years, we unintentionally left out many ethnic groups. Now, we are correcting that."
According to him, a cultural programme at Shilpakala Academy is expected to feature bands from different ethnic backgrounds, including Chakma, Garo, Marma and Bangali — bridging the gap between ethnic and mainstream music. Bauls and Fakirs would perform at Suhrawardy Udyan, holding their own festival. Saimum Shilpigosthi, an Islamic musical group, is also expected to perform at the event.
In 2016, UNESCO recognised the Mangal Shobhajatra as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Addressing concerns about UNESCO's recognition of Mangal Shobhajatra, he said, "Next time, UNESCO will see that this procession has grown bigger and more inclusive. They will have reason to be pleased, not concerned."
Farooki said this was a way to make the celebration richer, more vibrant and truly national.
An integral part of Bangali culture
The annual rally has become an integral part of Pahela Baishakh celebrations. It was first initiated by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University in 1989 as 'Ananda Shobhajatra', as a symbol of the unity of the people against the autocratic rule.
The next year, it was renamed Mangal Shobhajatra and later in 1993 (year 1400 in the Bangla calendar), the name was officially documented.
On the morning of every Pahela Baishakh, the streets of Dhaka turn into a canvas of colours. Giant masks, vibrant motifs and handcrafted effigies move through the crowds as rhythmic beats of the dhol fill the air.
Mangal Shobhajatra has become more than just a procession — it is a declaration of hope, unity and resilience and over the years, it has become synonymous with the Bangali identity.
Motifs used in the rally — owls, tigers, fish, and masks — have reflected both tradition and contemporary struggles, making it a living, breathing art form.
The rally has always reflected the collective concerns of the people; placards were often seen protesting price hikes, the Digital Security Act, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances in previous years.
