‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ for removing evil

This year’s ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ has been held with a call for unity against religious fanaticism.

The procession to mark the Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali new year 1422, started from Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts at 9am on Tuesday.
 
The theme of the procession was – ‘Onek Alo Jaalte Hobe Moner Ondhokare’ ( many lights in the darkness of hearts).
 
It seeks to highlight the killing of writer-blogger Avijit Roy and online activist Oyasiqur Rahman.
 

A 20-feet tall statue symbolising the rise of communal forces was at the Shobhajatra that calls to eliminate such evil forces.

The procession ended after marching throughout Ruposi Bangla Hotel Intersection and Teachers-Student Centre.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor and Dhaka University Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Sidduque were among those from all walks of life who took part in the Shobhajatra.

The Shobhajatra aims at removing dark evil shadows by spreading the message of universal humanity and peace, Siddique said.

Fine Arts Faculty Dean Prof Nisar Hossain said Bengali culture provided space for the peaceful co-existence of religions.

“Religious fanaticism only strengthens our stand [against it], We believe, the fight is very important given the recent events,” he said.