Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki announced that, in addition to Bengalis, 27 ethnic groups will participate in the fine arts procession for Bengali New Year.
He mentioned that a concert will be held in the afternoon on Manik Mia Avenue, featuring the rock band Bamba, with a drone show taking place at night.
He shared these details during a briefing on the Bengali New Year and the ethnic groups' celebrations at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Wednesday afternoon.
Farooki emphasized that the celebration of the Bengali New Year will showcase the festivals of all nations, bringing them together for everyone to enjoy.
Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma added that the Chittagong Hill Tracts area is fully embracing the occasion with various celebrations, including the upcoming Biju festival, fostering a spirit of community.
He also noted that this time, Bangladesh is being introduced to the world in a new light.
Celebration theme
Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki revealed that the theme for this year's New Year procession will be "Farmers," highlighting the importance of agriculture and honoring the contributions and struggles of farmers in Bangladesh.
He explained that this will offer a fresh perspective on the nation's heritage and culture, while delivering a strong message to the younger generation.
Farooki further said that this year’s Bengali New Year procession will stand apart from all previous ones.
He also mentioned that a concert will be held at Suhrawardy Udyan on Chaitra Sankranti, while a musical program will take place on New Year's Day at Dhanmondi Rabindra Sarobar.
The adviser added that this year's Mangal Shobhajatra will feature a special event organized by the band artists' organization Bamba to protest the Palestinian genocide.
Musicians will be encouraged to participate with the Palestinian flag, he said.
In addition to Bengalis, 27 ethnic groups will join the procession, showcasing their unique costumes and cultural elements, the adviser said.
A Sadhusang will take place in 12 districts across the country on Chaitra Sankranti, alongside the traditional Chhayanaut program, he added.
Farooki also addressed concerns about previous Mangal Shobhajatra processions, saying that in the past, the event appeared to resemble a police or RAB procession.
This time, he assured, there will be no such issue.
He also confirmed that there were no objections from Islamic parties regarding the celebrations.
