Halkhata is a tradition of Bangla shopkeepers that used to be synonymous with the Pohela Boishakh celebrations.
Halkhata refers to the opening of new red-coloured business ledger books on Pohela Boishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year.
The event is important to the business community of Bangladesh, as many customers settle their dues with the shopkeepers on this day.
However, the advent of newer technology may have put a dent in the pomp and splendor of the Halkhata tradition.
Even a few years back, Halkhata was celebrated in elaborate ways at wholesale markets of consumer goods throughout the country. The shopkeepers used to send the customers letters and cards, informing them about their total dues and inviting them to settle their accounts.
This practice of friendly written correspondence between customers and shopkeepers has been overshadowed by electronic communication methods such as mobile telephones, social networks and emails.
Payments can also be made using online, mobile and regular banking services. The current trend of technological advancement has forced the makers of red-coloured ledger books to find alternate means of income.
Keeping the tradition alive
Despite fading interest in Halkhata, the markets of Old Dhaka are keeping the tradition alive.
Traders and shopkeepers were seen celebrating the Bangla New Year 1425 in a festive mood.
Speaking to the correspondent, a number of businessmen confirmed that they are observing Halkhata to uphold hundreds of years of tradition.
Halkhata is being celebrated at all notable markets of Old Dhaka, including Shakari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Shyambazar, Babu Bazar and Islampur Market.
Visiting the shops there in person, the correspondent found that these markets were cleaned and colourfully decorated.
According to several businessmen of Old Dhaka, heavy use of electronic communication and the Gregorian calendar has diminished the importance of Halkhata.
Deb Krishna Lal, proprietor of a jewelry shop named Sri Krishna Swarnaloy, said: “Our family has been in the jewelry business since the era of my grandfather. We had a tradition of notifying our customers about the event through colourful cards and letters.
“We used to begin every Bangla New Year with a new ledger.”
Adding that this practice has diminished, Krishna Lal added: “People currently do business with the help of computers and banks. The whole system has been modernized. But we are keeping the tradition alive.
“I have my concerns about whether the next generation will keep following this tradition.”This article was first published on banglatribune.com
