Dhaka, March 24 (The Daily Star) – An inclusive Mongol Shovajatra will be held on Pahela Baishakh this year, featuring participation from various ethnic communities, including Chakma, Marma, Santal, and Garo. The decision was taken at a meeting held at Dhaka University’s Senate Bhaban today.
Apart from the DU VC, various stakeholders including different cultural figures from the Dhaka University Senate were present at the the meeting, among others.
Talking to The Daily Star, DU Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed said there is a vision to make the Mongol Shovajatra, an inclusive event for different ethnic groups, not just Bengalis.
The meeting focused on the how the country’s ethnic communities and other organisations can participate and how many people will be involved in the procession.
He also mentioned that two committees have been proposed, consisting of government officials, to make the final decision.
Additionally, he confirmed that there has been no change in the timing of the Mongol procession compared to previous years.
“There was no discussion during the meeting about changing the name of the Mongol Shovajatra,” he stated.
Bangladesh’s national women football team will also join the procession.
This year’s slogan of Mongol Shovajatra is — “Noboborsher Oikyatan, Fasibaad er oboshan (Harmony of the New Year, End of Fascism).
Talking to the media, Farooki said, “This year, the festival will be celebrated over two days nationally, including Chaitra Sangkranti with the Mongol Shovajatra on Pahela Baishakh.”
Many cultural organisations representing different ethnicities will participate in the fest, Farooki said, adding, “So, this time, it will be bigger, better, and more vibrant.”
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