Exploring the Festivals and Celebrations of Dhaka

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is a lively and colourful place with a rich culture and history. One of the most interesting aspects of this city is its festivals and celebrations, which are incredibly diverse. From religious festivals to cultural events, Dhaka has a lot to offer for travellers and locals alike. In this blog, we will explore some of the most popular festivals and celebrations of Dhaka.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is the most important festival of the Muslim community in Bangladesh, and it’s celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in Dhaka. This festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and people celebrate it by visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts, and wearing new clothes. Though the preparations for this festival start well over a month prior to the day, the shops in Dhaka stay crowded till the night before Eid-ul-Fitr. One of the most iconic aspects of this festival is the delicious food, especially the sweet dish called Shemai.

Pohela Boishakh

Pohela Boishakh is the Bengali New Year, and it is celebrated on the 14th of April every year. This festival is a celebration of the harvest season, and people welcome the new year with great joy and optimism. One of the most popular events of this festival is the colourful parade, which is led by students and artists. People wear traditional clothes, eat delicious food, and participate in various cultural activities.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. This ten-day festival is celebrated in Dhaka with great enthusiasm, and people visit pandals (temporary structures) that are set up all over the city to worship the goddess Durga. The pandals are beautifully decorated, and people come together to enjoy the cultural programs and the delicious food.

Bengali Literature Festival

The Bengali Literature Festival is an annual event that celebrates the rich literary tradition of Bangladesh. This festival is held in Dhaka, and it attracts writers, poets and intellectuals from all over the country. The festival includes book fairs, literary discussions and cultural programs. This is a great opportunity for book lovers to discover new authors and participate in literary discussions.

Conclusion

Dhaka is a city that is full of life and energy, and its festivals and celebrations reflect the diversity and richness of its culture. From the colourful parades of Pohela Boishakh to the delicious food of Eid-ul-Fitr, Dhaka’s festivals and celebrations are a feast for the senses.