Several students of Dhaka University joined the century-old Shakrain festival with colorfull kites. Photo: Sumit Ahmed
While the festive spirit of Shakrain is not visible throughout the capital, Old Dhaka is brimming with celebrations. Various social and cultural organizations are marking the day with numerous events.
The "Dhaka University Students Association of Dhaka" organized several events at the university's gymnasium field. Highlights included kite flying, hand-operated Ferris wheels, horseback riding, Baul songs, and Qawwali performances.
An attempt was made by DU students to adorn the skies with colorful kites. Photo: Sumit Ahmed
Nasrin Shubhra, a student of Dhaka University, shared her excitement: "I am thrilled to be part of this event. Growing up in a village, I am very familiar with kite flying. The overall arrangements here are equally fascinating."
In Sutar Nagar, Tanti Bazar, and Shakhari Bazar of Old Dhaka, rooftops came alive in the afternoon with the cheerful participation of people of all ages. The sky was adorned with colorful kites. Children and adults alike joined in the fun.
Children also didn't want to miss the chance of getting pleasure of flying kites. Photo: Sumit Ahmed
Twelve-year-old Saimon, who came to his rooftop in Lal Kuthi with his family to fly kites, expressed his joy: "I love flying kites, and seeing the sky filled with them makes me even happier."
His father, Nazmul Alam, a businessman, reminisced about his childhood: "There used to be even more kites in the sky when we were young. Back then, there wasn’t much music or sound systems like now. We used to sing and play instruments ourselves."
As night fell, the festivities transitioned to breathtaking fire performances. Photo: Sumit Ahmed
As night fell, the festivities transitioned to breathtaking fire performances. Local residents could be seen creating firework displays by blowing kerosene-fed flames. Azgar, a resident of Tanti Bazar, recalled: "Our joy was flying kites in the afternoon and enjoying fire performances and music in the evening. We didn’t have modern fireworks back then but enjoyed various traditional light displays."
This year, the residents of Old Dhaka advocated for a more mindful celebration, urging people to avoid excessive noise from fireworks and crackers.
Photo: Sumit Ahmed
Solaiman Sentu from Shakhari Bazar commented: "Festivals should be joyful but not at the cost of others’ discomfort. Loud noises disturb children, the elderly, and even the monkeys in Old Dhaka’s urban areas."
Shakrain, marking the end of Poush, is celebrated by people of all communities, transcending religion and ethnicity. This tradition fosters harmony and strengthens the bonds among Old Dhaka's residents.
