Shakrain is now observed by the entire community of Old Dhaka

Kites have been a long-lasting pastime for people of all ages all over the world especially here in Bangladesh, where we have an entire festival dedicated to kite flying. Although for most folks this is just casual afternoon fun, there are those who take kite flying to the next level and push boundaries on what kites are capable of and more. In this article, we will look at five record-shattering kite stories that will definitely inspire you to get your kite flying on!

Previously, Shakrain was all about the day-long preparation of flying kites and making traditional pitha that would keep the youth and elderly busy and brimming with excitement. Mostly happening in the areas that line the Buriganga River, it is an occasion exclusive to old Dhaka, where people from all over the city come to take part in.

Shakrain, also known as ‘Poush Songkranti’, takes place to mark the last day of the Bangla month, Poush. It will take place on 14 January this year, with last year’s festivity observed in a limited scale to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. Whether you are hosting for the first time or need a refresher, let us give some pointers to have a fun event this year!

Shakrain Festival's fireworks light up Old Dhaka's skies annually but pose serious environmental, health, and safety risks. Fireworks harm children, elders, animals, and nature. Centralized displays or sustainable alternatives could reduce noise, pollution, and casualties.

Old Dhaka is the birth place of our art practice; be it fine art or performing arts like poetry, music and dance. It also bears the testimony of Mughal architecture. Traditional festival, like Shakrain, are unique heritages of the Old Dhaka.

Poush Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is an annual celebration in the subcontinent. In Bangladesh, end of the Bengali month of Poush (‘sankranti’ means ‘end’) is commonly known as shakrain. Also known as ghuri utshob, the festival observed in the ninth month in the Bengali calendar is one of the oldest and most important festivals in Bangladesh.

According to the solar calendar, on the last day of the Bengali month – 'Poush', the sun moves towards its southward (Dakshinayana)...