Desk Report:
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has decided to rename the traditional procession to celebrate the Bengali New Year as ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury informed the media personnel about this decision after a preparatory meeting to implement various programs to celebrate the national Bengali New Year and the New Year of Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, Santal and other ethnic groups 1433 held at the conference room of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the Secretariat on Sunday (April 5, 2026).
The minister said that various types of confusion and debate were being observed in the public mind regarding the naming of the Pahela Boishakh procession for a long time. The government has decided to rename this festival so that this festival becomes a universal festival for all the people of the country, transcending all kinds of divisions. From now on, instead of the previous ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ or ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’, it will be known only as ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’.
He said that this simple and inclusive naming will end the existing debate in the society and unity and harmony among people from all walks of life will be further strengthened.
Nitai Roy said that even though the name has been changed, there will be no change in the basic structure and tradition of this Shobhajatra. The colorful procession that will come out from the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University like every year will have its traditional motifs, folk decorations and cultural characteristics completely intact. In addition, other regular events including the traditional New Year’s Eve ceremony of Chhayanaut at the foot of the Ramna will also be held with due dignity as before.
The minister said that the main strength of Bangladesh is unity in its diversity. This timely step has been taken out of the responsibility that no specific word or name should spoil the atmosphere of the festival and that no section of the society should feel separated from this festival.
The minister urged people of all religions and professions of the country to welcome the new year by participating in the ‘Baishakhi procession’ without listening to any hesitation or controversy.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam, Secretary Kaniz Maula and senior officials of various departments including the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University were present at the meeting.
