Dhaka Socials: The Autumn Fest

Dhaka, Bangladesh – September 12–13, 2025

The Aloki Convention Centre on Tejgaon Link Road transformed into the epicentre of youth culture as Dettol Icy Cool & Lime Fresh Presents Dhaka Socials: The Autumn Fest Powered by X Force made its debut. With over 14,000 attendees — 6,000 online registrations and more than 8,000 walk-ins — the first edition marked a tremendous milestone in Dhaka's cultural calendar.

Curated by two dreamers, Kazi Rafsun and Neesha Mahabuba Salam, the two-day festival blended immersive art, live music, lifestyle, and workshops into one cohesive cultural experience.

The Van Gogh Immersive Experience — A Festival Within the Festival

At the heart of The Autumn Fest was the Van Gogh Immersive Experience, which was open across both days and drew continuous crowds from morning to night.

Hosted at the Aloki Grand Ballroom, this 360° digital exhibition enabled Dhaka to experience art in a way it had never had before. Larger-than-life projections of Van Gogh's masterpieces — from the swirling skies of Starry Night to the golden hues of Sunflowers — surrounded audiences, dissolving the line between viewer and canvas.

Visitors sat on the floor, lay back, or strolled through the space as soundscapes and animation brought every brushstroke alive. For many, it felt like "walking inside Van Gogh's imagination." Families, students, and creators alike turned the zone into a hub of awe and inspiration, with social media flooded by photos and videos throughout the weekend.

This installation became the crown jewel of Dhaka Socials, offering Bangladesh its first taste of global digital art culture, now staged on home soil.

Day 1: Energy in Every Step

The opening morning of Dettol Icy Cool & Lime Fresh Presents Dhaka Socials: The Autumn Fest Powered by X Force broke all conventions of Dhaka's cultural scene. Instead of waiting for evening shows or late-night concerts, young people poured into Aloki as early as 9 AM to begin their day with something radically different — music, movement, and coffee in hand.

The glass-walled hall glowed with morning light as upbeat rhythms filled the space. Attendees, many still clutching their cappuccinos, swayed and laughed together, turning what could have been a quiet start into a celebration of energy and togetherness. For Dhaka, a city used to nightlife-driven events, it was a rare and refreshing sight: hundreds of young people dancing shoulder-to-shoulder while the rest of the city was just waking up.

Branded activations added to the charm, with cool drinks being passed around to keep the crowd refreshed. For many, it was their first time experiencing a "morning dance culture" — something usually associated with international cities, now brought to life in Dhaka.

Later that afternoon, the energy shifted from physical to intellectual with the Keeron Impact Talk, one of the festival's flagship sessions. The hall was designed like an intimate auditorium, where hundreds of young attendees gathered to hear voices shaping today's cultural and business landscape.

Kamrun Nahar Dana, one of Bangladesh's most-followed content creators, shared her perspective on authenticity in the digital age and how young influencers can balance creativity with responsibility.

A B M Jabed Sultan, Chief Business Officer of Prothom Alo, discussed how media is evolving with youth-driven digital consumption and why the next generation holds the power to redefine storytelling.

Breity Sabrin Khan and Mahzabin Ferdous, Co-Founders of Flex & The Marvel–Be You, focused on entrepreneurship and the value of "social currency" — how influence and ideas can be as powerful as capital in building businesses and communities.

The session ended with a lively Q&A, where young voices engaged directly with industry leaders. For many in the audience, the talk wasn't just about listening — it was about being inspired, feeling heard, and seeing possibilities for their own futures.

As evening lights came alive, the energy of Dettol Icy Cool & Lime Fresh Presents Dhaka Socials: The Autumn Fest Powered by X Force shifted to rhythm and connection. The Salsa Fiesta by B-Latin turned Aloki into a dance floor where couples swayed gracefully and solo participants found their footing in the beat. What made the session special was its inclusivity — even those with no prior dance experience joined in, clapping, laughing, and discovering that dance was less about technique and more about joy. For a city where public dancing is rare, the sight of strangers moving together without inhibition felt liberating.

The night then crescendoed into the festival's first outdoor concert, a spectacle that drew thousands to the main stage. The headliner, Black Zang, dominated the evening. Known as the pioneer of Dhaka's hip-hop movement, he delivered a performance that was raw, unapologetic, and deeply connected to the crowd. With each verse, the audience echoed back in unison, creating waves of mass sing-alongs that turned the concert into a shared anthem for the city's youth.

Immediately after his set, the stage lit up in flames — quite literally — with a breathtaking fire dance show. Performers wielding blazing batons and spinning fire rings stunned the audience, blending danger with artistry in a performance that had the crowd roaring. It was the perfect transition, keeping adrenaline levels high even after the concert's peak.

The momentum carried forward as Eida and Caramel brought a different texture — indie rock layered with emotion and energy, a sound that gave the night both grit and melody. The finale belonged to Karnival, returning to the stage after five months. Their comeback performance was nothing short of euphoric. Fans, many of whom had been waiting eagerly for their return, erupted as the band reignited the stage with their signature power.

By the time the lights dimmed, Day 1 had woven together dance, hip-hop, fire, and rock into a singular celebration — a night that many agreed felt historic for Dhaka's music scene.

Day 2: Serenity and Soul
 

The second day began in contrast with calm. Dhaka Flow's Breath Balance & Beyond invited hundreds to meditate, stretch, and heal through sound therapy, showing that festivals could also nourish the mind.

Workshops kept the venue buzzing:

The "Colors, Canvas & Company" acrylic painting workshop, led by Sip & Paint BD's founder Anshuya Elahi, brought together creativity, relaxation, and connection. Long tables lined with easels, palettes, and vibrant acrylic paints set the scene for an evening of self-expression. Participants — many of whom had never painted before — found themselves guided step by step into creating their own artworks.

The atmosphere was casual yet inspiring: some painted bold strokes of colour, others delicate patterns, while conversations and laughter flowed freely across the room. Free cold drinks added to the laid-back vibe, making the workshop feel like both a creative class and a social gathering.

By the end, each attendee walked away not just with a finished canvas but also with a sense of achievement — and often, a new friend made over the shared joy of painting. Colors, Canvas & Company proved that art doesn't require expertise, only the courage to pick up a brush and let imagination flow.

The "Nature in a Frame" workshop, hosted by Owl Factory's founder Nafisa Tasnuva Hossain, was one of the most heartfelt experiences of the festival. Participants gathered around long tables filled with pressed flowers, shells, and handcrafted frames. Under Nafisa's guidance, they combined natural elements with personal creativity, turning simple petals and seashells into timeless keepsakes.

For many, it was more than just a craft class — it was a chance to slow down, preserve a memory, and carry home a piece of nature reimagined through their own hands. The session highlighted how simple materials can unlock imagination and how art can be both sustainable and personal.

Therapeutic writing with Kashfy Ahsan Bristhy offered something different altogether — a workshop for the mind. Attendees were encouraged to let go of inhibitions and write freely about their thoughts, fears, and dreams. Some scribbled quietly in corners, others read their words aloud in an open circle. It became a safe space where young people could reflect, release, and rediscover themselves — proving that festivals can be about healing as much as celebration.

The day's adrenaline truly spiked with Khar Fights at Dhaka Socials, which brought the raw intensity of MMA to a cultural festival setting — something never seen before in Dhaka. The bouts weren't just about strength; they were framed with a sense of showmanship. Each clash inside the cage had the crowd roaring, but what made it even more unique was the live beatboxing that accompanied the matches. The rhythmic vocal percussion synced with the fighters' movements, turning combat into performance art. It was a mashup of sport and sound that had the audience on their feet, equally thrilled by the punches and the beats.

As night settled in, the tempo shifted. The festival created space for comfort and nostalgia with a movie night by Wander Woman. The hall dimmed, cushions and chairs filled up, and friends and strangers alike sat together to watch a film that everyone knew and loved. It wasn't just about the movie itself — it was the way the audience laughed, clapped, and even sang along at familiar moments. For many, it felt like reliving favourite memories, but this time with thousands of new companions. The sense of togetherness was palpable, showing how shared culture can unite people as much as music or art.

The final evening of Dettol Icy Cool & Lime Fresh Presents Dhaka Socials: The Autumn Fest Powered by X Force tied the festival together with a seamless blend of music and emotion.

The night began with Aushruto, whose heartfelt indie-rock sound warmed up the audience, followed by the dynamic Post Office Society, who brought their own experimental flair to the stage. Both acts set the perfect mood for what was to come.

When Level Five, one of Dhaka's most beloved indie rock bands, appeared, the energy shifted instantly. Their set felt less like a performance and more like a homecoming. Every track built momentum, pulling the crowd deeper into their sound. The defining moment arrived when they launched into their signature song, "Tumi."

The opening chords were enough to send the audience into a frenzy. Thousands of voices joined in, singing word for word, arms swaying in unison. The song became a chorus of shared memory — a moment where strangers felt connected through a single melody.

As the final notes rang out, it was clear Level Five had given the festival its emotional high point. Their closing act wasn't just the end of a concert; it was the collective heartbeat of Dhaka's youth, etched into memory through one unforgettable anthem.

Marketplace & Food Court

Beyond performances, Aloki housed a bustling marketplace of 40 lifestyle brands powered by EBL SkyFlex, where local entrepreneurs showcased fashion, crafts, and lifestyle products. A curated food court kept festivalgoers energised, turning the venue into a true carnival of tastes and trends.

Voices behind the Festival

Kazi Rafsun, Chief Event Director, shared:
"We wanted Dhaka to experience the kind of festivals people usually fly abroad for. From Van Gogh to MMA to mindful mornings, The Autumn Fest proved we can create these worlds right here."

Neesha Mahabuba Salam, Co-Founder and Event Director, added:
"Our aim was to curate a festival where every young person finds a moment to call their own — whether dancing in the morning, painting in the afternoon, or singing together at night."

Zahid Anwar, Communication Director, remarked:
"Dhaka Socials wasn't just an event; it was a statement that youth culture deserves a proper stage."

Sk Abu Rohan, festival collaborator, noted:
"Bringing so many experiences under one roof shows that Dhaka's cultural horizon is bigger than we think."

Backed by Visionary Partners

The debut edition was made possible with the support of Dettol Icy Cool & Lime Fresh, X Force, EBL SkyFlex, Fanta, Uber, Chopsticks, Detose, Runner, TYT, and other collaborators. Their involvement underscored the growing significance of youth culture and the collaborative spirit behind this success.

A Cultural Turning Point

Dettol Icy Cool & Lime Fresh Presents Dhaka Socials: The Autumn Fest Powered by X Force set a new benchmark for festivals in Bangladesh. With its unique blend of immersive art, music, lifestyle, and community, it proved that Dhaka is ready for world-class, multi-dimensional celebrations.

With Van Gogh's brushstrokes still swirling in memory and Black Zang's verses still echoing in the crowd's chants, Dhaka's youth left Aloki knowing they had witnessed the beginning of something historic.