Artists have hailed the UNESCO’s recognition of Mangal Shobhajatra, a ceremonial walk organised on the first morning of Bangla New Year, as an element of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
They said this would help bring international attention to a ceremony that has become the modern-day staple of Pahela Baishakh celebrations in Bangladesh.
The UNESCO decision came on Wednesday, after two hours’ debate at the 11th session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
‘The recognition of Mangal Shobhajatra is also recognition of our folk art and culture as the former borrows heavily from the latter,’ said eminent artist Mustafa Manwar. ‘I believe the UNESCO move will take our folk art to the international level.
‘It is great news for Bangladesh and the Bengali culture,’ said seasoned artist Hashem Khan.
‘Personally, it’s gratifying to note that I was among the artists that organised the first Mangal Shobhajatra in 1991, as a protest against the autocratic rule of Hussain Muhammad Ershad,’ he added.
Kalidas Karmakar, on the other hand, cited the growing popularity of the ceremonial walk, saying it is now being organised not only in the capital but also other district towns. ‘The demonstration has truly become a national heritage of Bangladesh,’ he said.
Hailing the initiative, noted Nazrul Sangeet singer Khairul Anam Shakil said, ‘The credit goes to all the people and artistes of the country. This is a moment we will relive for many days and it was the result of a collective effort.’
Khairul is also general secretary at Chhayanaut, a cultural organisation responsible for organising the capital’s main event celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day on Bangla Calendar.
Earlier, the UNESCO had enlisted Bangladesh’s Baul music and Dhakai Jamdani weaving as elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 and 2013, respectively.
In 2014, Bangladesh made an appeal to inscribe Mangal Shobhajatra in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage along with Jatra, rickshaw painting, Nakshikantha and Shitalpati.
Experts say although Mangal Shobhajatra remains a predominantly urban affair, it owes its roots to age-old traditions of different ethnic groups.
It was inspired by ancient New Year rituals such as Gajon or Charak Puja, and Kanta Bhanga-Hajrapita where people would demonstrate their ability to endure extreme pain and discomfort, piercing their bodies with sharp objects, in the hope of a fresh start in life.
It was also partly inspired by some rural communities who observe Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh, the last and first day of the Bengali year, with travelling performances celebrating the spirits of joy and happiness.