There will be no change in the name of the Mongol Shobhajatra, and this year’s Pohela Boishakh will be celebrated over two days.
The announcement was made by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the state adviser on cultural affairs, during a meeting held at Dhaka University's Senate Hall on Monday morning, focusing on the arrangements for both Pohela Boishakh and the Mongol Shobhajatra celebrations.
The Mongol Shobhajatra, a part of the national celebration of Pohela Boishakh, marking the beginning of the Bangla year 1432, will be celebrated alongside the Chaitra Sangkranti, the end of Bangla year 1431, this year.
This year's Mongol Shobhajatra will be inclusive, as it will feature participation from various ethnic communities, including Chakma, Marma, Santal, and Garo.
“This year, the festival will be celebrated over two days nationally, including Chaitra Sangkranti with the Mongol Shobhajatra on Pohela Boishakh,” said Mostofa Sarwar Farooki while speaking to the media.
“Many cultural organizations representing different ethnicities, along with private universities, will participate in the festival. So, this time, it will be bigger, better, and more vibrant,” Farooki added.
No change has been made in the timing of the Mongol procession compared to previous years.
Bangladesh's national women’s football team will also join the procession.
Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, pro vice-chancellor (administration) of Dhaka University, has been appointed as the convener of the organizing committee, while Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, will serve as the member secretary of the committee, according to Dr Saifuddin Ahmed, proctor of Dhaka University.
