With only three days left till the Pohela Boishakh, the students of Dhaka University are gearing up to celebrate the Bengali New Year by bringing out the Mongol Shobhajatra – a traditional colourful procession seeking well-being and calling for harmony.
This year, this event is being organized by the Fine Arts students of 22nd and 23rd batches. But students from all batches, artists, and teachers, are working together in a celebratory spirit.
Mongol Shobhajatra, which translates to "procession seeking well-being”, 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 the Unesco on November 30, 2016.
As the procession was suspended in the last two years due to the Covid-19 lockdown, students at the Institute of Fine Arts were seen painting masks and other motifs in a joyful spirit in front of the Zainul Gallery to make the Shobhajatra successful this time around.
The students said their preparation would continue until April 13. Their faces showed their enthusiasm and excitement while working under the supervision of artist Shishir Bhattacharjee.
This year, the students have also created 5 large motifs, which will be displayed during the procession.
There will be 40-50 small motif masks for the organizers.
No masks other than those created by the Fine Arts students will be allowed on the campus that day, organizers say.
Since there are no sponsors for this event, the event's expenses will be funded by the sale of the artwork by the students.
Students have also made owls, birds, hand fans, colorful masks, and other items that are also part of Bangladeshi folk art.
“Nirmolo Koro Mongolo Kore Molin Mormo Muchhaye” is the theme for this year's Mongol Shobhajatra.
