Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the government has decided to rename the Bangla New Year procession as “Baishakhi Shobhajatra”, dropping the terms ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ and ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’.“We will not call it ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ or ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’. The procession will simply be named ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’,” he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat.
The minister said the decision was taken to avoid division and bring an end to the ongoing debate over the name of the traditional Pahela Baishakh procession.
“We do not want division; we do not want discord or conflict among people. We want unity in diversity,” he said.He added that in a democratic society, people of different opinions and ideologies coexist, and such diversity reflects its strength.
The minister said the procession is a long-standing cultural tradition inherited from earlier generations, particularly from the farming community.
“As their successors, we find ourselves debating the name, and we want to resolve this issue,” he said.Following discussions at multiple meetings, including today’s one, the government has finalised the new name.
The minister said the procession would be organised with dignity and inclusivity, allowing people to participate with their own traditions, music, instruments, and attire.
“People will take part with their own cultural expressions, making it a festive and inclusive procession,” he added.
He said the new name reflects the broader spirit of Baishakh, similar to how events like Baishakhi fairs are referred to.
“We want to highlight Baishakh in everything associated with it. This is our decision,” he said.
