The Shakrain Festival, a joyous and colorful celebration, holds a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshis. This vibrant event, also known as “Ghuri Utsob” or the Kite Festival, brings together communities across the country to welcome the end of winter and usher in the spring season with exuberance and merriment.
Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the Shakrain Festival is celebrated predominantly in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. It typically takes place during the month of January, marking the last day of the Bengali month of Poush. The festival’s date varies each year, following the lunar calendar, which adds an element of anticipation to the festivities.
The highlight of the Shakrain Festival is undoubtedly the kite-flying extravaganza that adorns the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors. Both young and old participate in this aerial competition, showcasing their kite-making skills and maneuvering talents. The sky becomes a canvas, adorned with vibrant kites that dance and soar, reflecting the spirit of unity and harmony among the participants.
In this introductory glimpse into the Shakrain Festival, we will delve deeper into its history, cultural significance, and the captivating elements that make it a cherished and unforgettable occasion for all who partake in its festivities.
An Overview of Shakrain Festival
The Shakrain Festival is a yearly festival that is marked by kite flying. It takes place on January 14 or 15 in the Gregorian calendar, at the conclusion of Poush, the 9th month of the Bengali calendar. One of Bangladesh’s oldest yearly festivities is the Shakrain Festival. It is a well-known and significant occasion in Bangladeshi culture. In Bangladesh, it stands for friendliness and togetherness.
Mostly in the southern half of Dhaka, Shakrain is observed. throughout the afternoon, multicolored kites are flown high from the roofs throughout the neighborhood as part of the celebration. It frequently takes the form of kite battling, in which players attempt to snag or destroy one another’s kites.
Old Dhaka’s nighttime sky is lit up with pyrotechnics. Flame-eaters congregate on the roofs as well to dazzle spectators with their mastery of fire. The town is awakened by music, and people continue to dance heartily. It is an event and a day that every young person looks forward to since it brings numerous people together for competition and have fun.
Rituals of Shakrain Festival
As the festival eve approaches, a heartwarming tradition unfolds, where a father-in-law generously bestows kites, reels, yarn, and delightful pitha as cherished gifts upon his in-laws. Each household eagerly takes up the task of crafting their unique kites, infusing them with the essence of their homes and individual spirits, adding a personalized touch to the festivities. In the Old Town, the language of kite flying comes alive with local terms like Manja, Kanni, and Ghuddi, signifying various aspects of the exhilarating kite-flying games.
With the morning sun, the rooftops transform into a lively arena, as every household, along with their guests, gathers to participate in the exhilarating kite-flying game. The objective is to skillfully capture the kites of neighboring participants, creating an atmosphere brimming with friendly competition and camaraderie. As the sun sets, the very same rooftops witness an enchanting display of fire eaters and fireworks, painting the night sky with a mesmerizing symphony of vibrant lights and swirling flames.
Undeniably, music and dance form the soul of any local festival in the nation. Traditionally, the resonating notes of Jari, Shari, and Bhatiali music fill the air, accompanied by the harmonious melodies of native instruments, inviting people to join in the joyous dance. Amidst the celebrations, the houses come alive with tantalizing aromas, as they offer an array of delectable local delicacies, reminiscent of the Mughal influence that once marked the genesis of this cherished festival.
How Shakrain Festival is Celebrated?
Shakrain Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in Bangladesh. The festivities typically take place in January, marking the end of the Bengali month of Poush. The highlight of the festival is kite-flying, where people of all ages participate in friendly aerial competitions. They design and fly kites, attempting to snatch their neighbors’ kites in a spirited game.
On the eve of the festival, families exchange gifts, and each household eagerly prepares their unique kites, reflecting their individuality and the spirit of the occasion. As the sun rises, rooftops become the stage for the kite-flying spectacle, with families and guests engaging in the friendly contest.
As the day progresses, the streets come alive with cultural activities, including traditional music, dance performances, and mouthwatering local delicacies. Fireworks and firecrackers light up the evening sky, adding a dazzling touch to the celebrations. The Shakrain Festival unites communities, spreading joy, unity, and the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh.
Shakrain Festival in Present Time
People from all around Dhaka and the surrounding areas celebrate this festival in keeping with the times. The enormous diversity of people gathered in the old town today is evidence of the festival’s rising popularity. During the festival, local households entertain guests from beyond the area. Some ancient customs are lost, and others are replaced with modern attractions to meet this expanding tendency and the extra effect of technology.
The atmosphere was initially created in the 1980s and 1990s with emancipatory regional music, traditional folk songs, etc. Currently, the DJ sound systems and lively techno/disco music dominate the musical environment. Additionally, “Rong Khela” and food options have changed somewhat as a result of the festival’s staggeringly large number of young people.
The surge of social media broadcasting, including blogging and vlogging, is the clearest sign of how society is evolving. Simply enjoy the celebration with your loved ones while instilling the value of isolation. The full celebration offers you a break from the monotonous cycle of a city life.