Bengalis from all walks of life start the first day of the Bengali new year with a mass procession (Mangal Shovajatra) in Bangladesh. Although the ceremony has been canceled for the last two years due to the pandemic, we bring you 5 less known facts about this day and why do Bengalis celebrate this festival, its origins, and its significance!
1. Originate back to the Mughal Rule
The earliest possible origins of this tradition can be traced back to the rule of the Mughal Emperor. It was introduced during Akbar’s rule to time the tax year to the harvest. Very often people mistake it as a religious tradition but that is not true at all.
2. Dhaka University & the protest against the militia rule
Fast-forward to 1989, students and professors from Dhaka University again started this tradition of Shobhajatra to show their frustration with the military rule of the country during that era. The procession was prominently organized by the faculty of Fine arts. It is only in recent years that West Bengal starts to reimagine this culture.
3. Fundamentalist’s baseless claim
Bengali new year is a festival that we celebrate for being a Bengali. Religious fundamentalists have often labeled it to be ‘shrik’ to take part in this. While shirk is a real thing, labeling things that you don’t like as shirk does not get anyone anywhere. This senseless labeling has only created division and hatred in a secular nation.
4. Procession for the well-being & Unity
Today this festival is considered to be an expression of the secular identity of the Bangladeshi people. It is a way to promote unity amongst all religions and races. In fact, UNESCO declared Mangal Shovhjatra as an intangible cultural heritage that represents humanity. It is surely something to be proud of.
5. Celebrating to Drive away the evil and allow progress
Every year, thousands of people take part in this mass procession with gigantic replicas of fish, birds, animals, folk tales, and other motifs. The rally symbolizes, peace and unity. Bengalis enjoy this day with traditional festive foods, singing, and going to fairs. White-red color combinations are particularly popular to this day.
As we brace ourselves to another lockdown, let the spirits of the festival still remain in our hearts. Let us be a little more compassionate and tolerant towards our own people especially during these difficult times.
