Jahangirnagar University greets Bengali New Year with colorful Mangal Shobhajatra
Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Jahangirnagar University welcomed the Bengali New Year on Pahela Baishakh, 1430 (Friday, April 14, 2023) with great enthusiasm and spirit.
Despite the ongoing vacation, the campus was abuzz with vibrant colours and festive fervour as students, teachers and officials largely joined the much-awaited Mangal Shobhajatra.
Mangal Shobhajatra, literally meaning 'well-being procession', is a traditional procession that marks the advent of the Bengali New Year.
The celebration of the Bengali New Year started with the well-being procession that started at 10 am from the Faculty of Business Studies Building of Jahangirnagar University.
Marching through important areas of the campus, including the Transport Premises and Shaheed Minar, the procession ended beside the Amar Ekushey sculpture.
The theme of this Bengali New Year’s celebration was 'Borish-Dhora Majhe Shantir Bari', which translates to 'let the water of peace fall on the earth'.
In line with the theme, students enthusiastically joined the procession carrying a giant effigy of a 'Payra' or 'Pigeon', which symbolizes peace.
Additionally, two Tepa doll motifs, representing traditional Bengal pottery, were also created for the event.
Teachers and students also donned masks of native animals such as owls, tigers, elephants, and horses, adding to the festive spirit of the procession.
At the end of the procession, Jahangirnagar University’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Nurul Alam addressed, for a short period.
Noting that Mangal Shobhajatra is a part of Bengali culture and tradition, he wished everyone health, peace and longevity in the new year.
“I wish everyone Happy Bengali New Year. Wishing everyone good health and longevity in the new year. May the New Year bring happiness and peace in everyone's life,” he said.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Sheikh Md Monzurul Huq, Treasurer Rasheda Akhtar and Acting Dean of Social Sciences Faculty Bashir Ahmed, among others, joined the joyous Mongol Shobhajatra.