3-day Eid festival to culminate in grand procession in Dhaka: Asif Mahmud

Former Adviser and Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) spokeperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has announced that the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Dhaka will feature a three-day festival, culminating in a colorful Eid procession on the day of Eid. 

He shared the details at a press conference held in front of National Museum in Shahbagh on Tuesday.

Asif Mahmud noted that nearly 500 years ago, Eid processions in the region symbolized inclusive celebrations. Historical records show that from Sultanate era through Mughal period, Eid processions served as a display of communal harmony and fraternity among diverse communities. With elephants, horses and traditional music, the processions were a vibrant social festival. 

However, during colonial rule and under the influence of elite landlords, the cultural spirit of these celebrations declined, reducing Eid to a mere holiday. 

The July Uprising later revived the cultural vibrancy of Eid.

He highlighted that last year’s Eid procession saw massive public participation, transforming the city into a festive environment. Continuing this tradition, this year’s celebrations will also include a grand procession, along with a three-day festival leading up to Eid.

The program will begin the night before Eid at Rabindra Sorobor with a henna (Mehedi) festival and cultural evening open to all citizens, irrespective of religion or background. Activities will include music, poetry and other performances.

On Eid day, the procession will start at 10:00 AM from National Eidgah (High Court premises). Following the Eid prayer, spontaneous mini-processions from different neighbourhoods will join to form a large procession. The route will pass through Doel Chattar and end at Shahbagh Mor. 

The most spectacular neighbourhood procession will be awarded for its grandeur. The procession will feature historical characters, placards and elephant and horse-drawn carts, continuing the traditional format.

The day after Eid, a kite festival will be organized at historic Suhrwardy Udyan, combining Dhaka’s traditional kite-flying heritage with Eid festivities to promote inclusive cultural engagement.

A main organizing committee and a sub-committee have been formed to implement the program. 

A dedicated kids’ zone will be included in a significant portion of the procession to engage children.

The event is expected to attract a large audience and financial contributions from the public will support its execution.

SH