Bangladesh is a country known for its lively and colorful festivals, which are an essential part of its culture. Shakrain festival in old dhaka brings people together and provide a break from their everyday busy lives. In the heart of all these celebrations is Puran Dhaka, a place that has been hosting and enjoying various festivals since ancient times by the Buriganga River. As a significant economic center in the capital region, Dhaka, it has embraced the festive spirit from diverse cultures and dynasties that have influenced the area over the years, making each festival unique and exciting in its own way.
One such festival is Shakrain, celebrated during the winter season to mark the end of the Bengali month of Poush. It is also known as Poush Sankranti.
The Root of Celebration:
The Shakrain Festival, also known as the Kite Festival, is celebrated by the Hindu community in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh in various cultural forms with different names like ‘Maghe Sangkranti’ in Nepal, ‘Saakrat’ in Delhi and Haryana, and ‘Uttarayan’ in Gujarat, among others.
In Bangladesh, the festival is widely known as Shakrain Festival, where people from different religious backgrounds participate in the colorful festivities, including flying kites, fireworks, fire-breathing displays, paper balloons, and enjoying various food delicacies.
The tradition of celebrating this vibrant festival dates back to the Mughal period and has become an integral part of the culture in Dhaka city, with various neighborhoods such as Laxmibazar, Tantibazar, Lalbagh, and others coming alive with the joyous celebrations. Despite its Hindu origins, people of all religions in Bangladesh take part in the festivities, making it a truly inclusive and cherished occasion for everyone.
Behold the main event of Shakrain Festival in Old Dhaka
Fourteenth of January (January 14) is the last day of Poush Sangkranti. On the dusk of the Shakrain Festival, a delightful tradition unfolds as the father-in-law presents kites, reels, yarn, and pitha as gifts to his in-laws. Each household eagerly designs its own kites, imbuing them with the essence of their family and individual spirit. Local terms like Manja, Kanni, and Ghuddi add flavor to the kite-flying games in the Old Town. The next day, with enthusiasm and guests in tow, people gather on their rooftops to engage in friendly kite-flying battles, attempting to snag their neighbors’ kites.
As the day transitions to evening, the same rooftops transform into playgrounds for fire eaters and fireworks, illuminating the dark sky with stunning displays of colorful lights and mesmerizing flames. Music and dance, intrinsic to any local festival, reverberate through the air as traditional Jari, Shari, and Bhatiali music, accompanied by native instruments, draw people together to sway to the enchanting rhythms.
Beyond the iconic Pitha Puli, houses are adorned with a delectable array of aromatic local delicacies that showcase the Mughal influence on the festival’s origins. The festival truly embodies the spirit of unity and celebration, making it a cherished occasion for all who partake in its cultural richness.
On this special day, the residents of Dayaganj, Murigitola, Kagojitola, Gandaria, Bangla Bazar, Dhupkhola Math, Jagannath University area, Sadarghat, and Kotkachari area in Old Dhaka come together to celebrate with great joy. They organize food parties, enjoy playing with fire in the evening, and have a spectacular display of fireworks. As the evening sets in, the entire Old Dhaka lights up with the dazzling colors of red and blue from the fireworks, creating a magical and vibrant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
“The Shakraine Festival is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich history of Old Dhaka. Another exciting way to understand a place’s traditions is by trying its traditional food. While you’re at Shakraine, don’t miss the chance to experience The delicious cuisine of Old Dhaka.”
Enriching the Shakrain Festival by embracing diversity:
As times have changed, the Shakrain Festival has evolved into a beloved celebration not only for the residents of Old Dhaka but also for people from all over Dhaka and its surrounding areas. This unity among the “Dhakaiya” people and the diverse crowd that gathers in the old town is a clear indication of the festival’s increasing popularity. With the growing interest in the festival, local homes now warmly welcome outsiders as guests during the festivities.
However, the changing times and technological influence have brought some modifications to the traditional rituals. While some age-old customs are fading away, they are replaced by contemporary attractions that add new excitement to the celebration. Despite these changes, the core essence of the Shakrain Festival remains intact, and it continues to be a joyous occasion for people of all backgrounds to come together and revel in the spirit of togetherness and cultural heritage.
In the 80s-90s, the Shakrain Festival had a traditional setup with the delightful tunes of local music and folk songs, creating a liberating atmosphere. However, in recent times, the musical landscape has shifted, with DJ sound systems and energetic techno/disco music taking center stage. The festival’s activities, such as “Rong Khela” (a colorful play with powders) and food choices, have also adapted to the preferences of the youthful majority attending the event.
Moreover, the influence of social media has become evident, with people engaging in blogging and vlogging to share their experiences and spread the festival’s joy to a broader audience. Despite these changes, the essence of the festival remains rooted in togetherness and cultural heritage.
As you enjoy the festivities, cherish the simplicity of the celebration and spend quality time with your loved ones. Embrace the spirit of the festival, and amidst the growing trends, also find moments of solitude to truly absorb and appreciate the essence of this vibrant and joyous occasion. A Tip for you to enjoy yourself at My own shakraine
How To Go
This festival mainly celebrated in old Dhaka. Anyone can take Car, Bus, CNG, and rickshaw to reach Ganderia, Tatibazar, Laxmibazar, Chawkbazar, Lalbagh, and Sutrapur where the celebration mainly takes place. If you also want to explore Bangladesh here is a BONUS for you.
Take a Look at the Related Information of Shakrain Festival
- Poush Sangkranti – January 14.
- Shakrain Festival – January 15.
- Main festival place – Old Dhaka.
- Festival subject-matter – Kite flying.
- The festival will continue throughout the day.
- There will be no public holidays on the occasion of the festival.
- In the festival, there will be the exchange of different food and pithas among the residents of old Dhaka city.
- It is one of the oldest traditional festivals in old Dhaka.
Conclusion:
Shakrain is a festival that offers a refreshing escape from the fast-paced urban life, allowing one to find clarity and tranquility for the mind and soul. As you enjoy the festivities, cherish the simplicity of the celebration and spend quality time with your loved ones. The vibrant celebrations provide a much-needed break from the demands of a metropolitan lifestyle.
Have you had the chance to experience the enchanting festivities of Shakrain? if you not, you should deffinetly visit Shakrain festival.
