The Cultural Clash Sparked by Renaming Mangal Shobhajatra
A Beloved Tradition’s Transformation and the Controversy Over Its Name
The Arson Attack on the “Face of Fascism” Sculpture
On April 12, before sunrise, a 20-foot bamboo-and-cane sculpture named the “Face of Fascism” at Dhaka University was set ablaze. Nearby, a papier-mâché dove symbolizing peace was also destroyed.
The Dispute Over a Single Word: “Mangal” or Auspicious
This arson attack was the result of a disagreement over a single word: “mangal” or auspicious. It began with the university administration’s decision to rename the iconic Mangal Shobhajatra procession to Borsho Boron Anondo Shobhajatra.
The Renaming of a 36-Year-Old Tradition
The renaming of the 36-year-old tradition, which was born in protest against military dictatorship, has ignited a cultural conflict in Bangladesh. Officials argue they are restoring the event’s original name, but the timing and context suggest a more sinister motive: the erasure of a symbol that once united Bengalis across religious and political lines.
The Birth of Mangal Shobhajatra
The Mangal Shobhajatra started as a rebellion in 1989 under General Hussain Muhammad Ershad’s autocratic regime. Students at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts created grotesque owls, tigers, and doves to mock the military’s hold on power. They paraded these figures through the campus at an event they called Ananda Shobhajatra.
The Evolution of Mangal Shobhajatra
By 1996, as democracy began to take hold following fresh elections, the name was changed to Mangal Shobhajatra and became a symbol of Bangladesh’s anti-authoritarian spirit.
The Global Pattern of Tradition Formation
This evolution mirrors a global trend: traditions are often created during times of crisis. Consider France’s Bastille Day or India’s Republic Day parade.
The Recognition and Targeting of Mangal Shobhajatra
In 2016, the procession was recognized by Unesco as an important part of the world’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” However, this recognition has made it a target. Islamist groups have criticized the event as a “Hindu ritual.”
The Significance of the Word “Mangal”
The word “mangal” carries historical weight. Its adoption in the 1990s reflected a collective longing for democracy. Its removal today signals a departure from that vision.
The Contradictions in the University’s Justification
The university’s administration’s explanation for the renaming is filled with contradictions. While claiming to restore the 1989 name, officials failed to explain that adding the word “mangal” to the name was a deliberate response to the anti-Ershad movement.
The Backlash Against the Renaming
The backlash went beyond campuses. Online, users ridiculed the renaming as a surrender to extremism. Others saw it as selective cultural cleansing.
The Regime’s Move and Its Implications
The regime’s move is about both geopolitics and domestic control. It reflects a global authoritarian playbook: co-opt cultural symbols, sanitize dissent, and rewrite history.
The Legacy of Mangal Shobhajatra
Yet, the procession’s legacy lives on in those who refuse to forget.
