Hefazat-e-Islam Drives Changes in UNESCO-Recognized Bengali New Year Procession

Bangladesh has renamed the UNESCO-recognized Bengali New Year procession, previously known as “Mangal Shobhajatra,” to “Barshavaran Ananda Shobhajatra” following demands from Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamic political parties and religious organizations. The change reflects a shift in the event’s name and contents, amid claims that its previous form resembled Hindu cultural traditions.
Bangladesh is set to celebrate Bengali New Year 1432, popularly known as “Pohela Boishakh,” on April 14. Mangal Shobhajatra, organized annually by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University, has been widely recognized as a symbol of the secular identity of Bangladeshi people and was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2016.
The announcement of the name change was made during a press conference at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University on Friday. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s leader, described the changes as part of the “New Bangladesh” policy of cultural healing and inclusiveness.
“This year’s Pohela Boishakh will be characterized by cultural healing and cultural inclusiveness,” said Mostafa Sarwar Faruki, Adviser for Cultural Affairs to the interim government.
Hefazat-e-Islam, the largest religious group in Bangladesh, voiced concerns over the previous procession’s perceived alignment with Hindu traditions. Leaders, including Ameer Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman, criticized elements of the Pohela Boishakh celebrations, claiming universality had been used to impose Hindu Janmashtami rituals on all participants.
Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, the Peer of Charmonai, echoed similar sentiments, demanding the removal of Hindutva symbols and concepts from the festivities. He specifically called for the elimination of the word “Mangal” from the event’s name.
As preparations continue for Pohela Boishakh 1432, the name change reflects the balancing act between cultural identity and inclusiveness in Bangladesh’s national celebrations.