BangladeshBook of Records
VerifiedBBR-2016-0021

Mangal Shobhajatra recognised as world heritage

The Pohela Boishakh procession became Bangladesh's third inscription on UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2016.

Record holderFaculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka

Date achieved30 November 2016

Mangal Shobhajatra recognised as world heritage
University of Dhaka

Official statement

Begun in 1989 by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Mangal Shobhajatra opens the Bengali new year with giant masks and effigies carried through Dhaka. UNESCO inscribed it on 30 November 2016 as an expression of secular, pluralist public culture.

Criteria met

  1. 01Annually observed on Pohela Boishakh
  2. 02Open, non-commercial participation
  3. 03Transmitted through art-school practice

Evidence on file

  • Exhibit AMasks leading the procession
  • Exhibit BDawn preparation at the campus

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