This festival is also known as Poush Sankranti, with roots tracing back to the Mughal period, when kite flying was a form of entertainment for the elites. It resembles the heart and soul of Puran Dhaka, and people mainly celebrate it through flying kites.

The heart of Puran Dhaka

On this day, the rooftops of every house in Puran Dhaka become a colourful gathering place, bringing together neighbours and communities. However, over the years, music, fireworks, rooftop parties and pitha festivals have also become a part of the celebration, taking the celebration to another level.

The festival has adapted new features, especially among the younger generation, which include rooftop parties with music, DJs, dancing, fire spinning, fire-eating and laser light shows.

Shakrain will be observed this year as well, and the preparations already can be seen across Puran Dhaka. Shakhari Bazar, the centre of the celebration, has been crowded by stalls selling colourful kites, filling the atmosphere with a festive mood.

Tradition, debate, and community spirit

Despite the festive mood, this festival has also become a topic of debate. Recently, a group of people were seen marching through the streets of Puran Dhaka. They voiced their opposition to the annual festival and chanted slogans calling for a boycott.

“There is no place for Shakrain in Puran Dhaka,” said one such individual. Their main focus was on how the festival is celebrated nowadays. Their opposition also comes from the relation of Shakrain and Hindu solar calendar events of Makar Sankranti, forcing the celebration to be deemed a religious exercise rather than just an act of celebration.

On the other hand, there are still many residents who believe Shakrain is deeply connected to community life.

One such resident, Marzan, said, “Usually little communities come together and celebrate it in one bigger circle. You will see every roof of Puran Dhaka buildings is celebrating. The festival itself causes everyone to celebrate it.” According to him, Shakrain naturally brings people together and turns the entire area into one shared community.

Photo: Mumit M/TBS

Another resident, who chose to be anonymous, had some insights about the protests and opposition. He said, “Well, I do partially agree with certain communities who are boycotting the festival. But I think the basic meaning of the festival is vanishing through late-night parties of Shakrain, and I do think the cultural Shakrain celebration should be back again.” Apart from the original reason for this festival, this occasion brings everyone together like Eid, and he added, “I enjoy that.”

Such debates are a part of our current political climate and are bound to continue, but we should not overlook the core meaning of this festival.

Long before fireworks and loud music became common, Shakrain was simply about flying kites with neighbours and spending a fun time with family and friends. Puran Dhaka residents, at least a large consensus, believe that Shakrain can be celebrated in a quieter and simpler way, as Julkifal Taan stated, “We have been celebrating Shakrain without any sound pollution and fireworks, and honestly we have had no less fun than the others.”

Although it initially started as a ritual for the Hindu community, it has evolved into a major cultural festival which is observed by a large community in Puran Dhaka. It is more than an event; it has become the cultural identity of Puran Dhaka.

The memory of this occasion is passed down through generations. As we are growing as a nation, opinions will differ, but we can still remain peacefully together, respecting everyone’s cultural values.

Kai Po Che!