Abstract
Mongol Shovajatra is a procession traditionally organized by the students and faculty members from the University of Dhaka, Faculty of Fine Art in Bangladesh. “Mongol” means blessings and “Shovajatra” means procession. The tradition started in 1989 when students, disheartened by living under military rule, wanted to give people of Bangladesh hope for a better future. A month before the festival, the university’s faculty members work together to make masks and large structures, believing they will drive away evil and bring progress to the community and the world. The procession creations represent courage, strength, bond with nature, respect to the traditions and a message of peace. Through this topic, I consider how this festival serves to enrich the community and deliver blessings across diverse cultures. I want people to come and see the procession details and the opportunity to feel courage and harmony through. In addition, I also highlight how art installations from Mongol Shovajatra and public events can bridge cultural gaps and foster better understanding of a new heritage and practice among people.
Presenters
Fariha Binta KhairStudent, MFA (Master of Fine Arts), University of South Alabama, Alabama, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
BENGALI FESTIVAL AND CULTURE, BLESSINGS FROM PROCESSION, CULTURAL DIVERSITY
