C T Online Desk: Bangla New Year celebrations have returned with traditional fervour after two years of muted festivities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Students of Dhaka University on Thursday morning welcomed the Bangla New Year by bringing out Mongol Shobhajatra — a traditional colourful procession seeking wellbeing and calling for harmony.
This carnival adorned with colourful banners and animal replicas is an integral part of Bangladesh’s culture.
Mongol Shobhajatra, which translates to “procession seeking wellbeing”, is a signature event that represents folk motifs of the country’s traditions.
Because of its uniqueness, Mongol Shobhajtra was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by Unesco on November 30, 2016.
The students of DU’s Faculty of Fine Arts started Mongol Shobhajatra in 1989, and soon it became an essential part of Pohela Boishakh celebrations in Dhaka and elsewhere.
On March 31, renowned painter Shahabuddin Ahmed inaugurated the preparation work of the procession.
“Nirmolo Koro Mongolo Kore Molin Mormo Muchhaye” is the theme for this year’s Mongol Shobhajatra.
The line, which is from a poem by Rabindranath Tagore, represents a prayer for peace.
