Old Dhaka has come alive with vibrant lights and festivities as residents celebrate Shakrain on the occasion of Paush Sankranti. From narrow alleyways to rooftops, the historic part of the city is immersed in color and excitement, with kite shops bustling and illuminated rooftops signaling the arrival of the traditional festival.
Shakrain is a symbol of Old Dhaka’s culture and heritage and is observed every year on the final day of the Bangla month of Paush. People of all ages take part in kite-flying competitions throughout the day, while after sunset the sky above the Buriganga riverside city lights up with fireworks and colorful lanterns. Celebrations often continue late into the night.
Residents begin preparations well in advance. The festival is being observed on Wednesday (14 January) in areas under Kotwali Police Station. Since Tuesday, loud music has been played from speakers on many rooftops, and the glow of colorful lanterns has spread across neighborhoods. However, concerned residents have expressed worries over excessive noise, saying that ignoring administrative restrictions has turned noise pollution into a form of celebration.
Over the past few days, areas including Shankharibazar, Lakshmibazar, Nayabazar, Tantibazar, Gandaria, Dhopkhola and Sutrapur have seen a surge in the buying and selling of kites, spools and strings. Rooftops have also been lavishly decorated for evening festivities, with young men and women enjoying music and dance.
Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman said there are clear directives from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police regarding Shakrain.
“Playing loud music throughout the night in a way that disturbs others is strictly prohibited. Our teams are on alert, and we are taking a firm stance to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said.
Jagadish, a kite seller in Shankharibazar, said sales this year have been better than last year.
“Many people from nearby areas are buying kites according to their needs,” he said.
Palak, a local resident, said kite flying remains a family tradition.
“Every year on Shakrain and the day before, children fly kites on our rooftop, and we adults join in as well. This year, we bought 30 kites,” he said.
Several school students buying kites in Shankharibazar said they participate in kite-flying competitions every year.
“The real fun is cutting other kites. This year, I bought 20 kites,” one student said.
A kite trader in Lakshmibazar said Shakrain is the peak season for their business.
“What we sell in these few days accounts for a large portion of our annual sales. This year, demand for colorful and larger-sized kites is higher,” he said.
Joy, a spool and string seller in Nayabazar, said sales remain strong despite higher prices.
“Manja string is in particularly high demand because kite-cutting is the main attraction of Shakrain,” he said.
Residents from Gandaria said they bought kites at the insistence of their children.
“This festival gives them joy beyond mobile phones and television. That’s why we try every year to buy kites for Shakrain,” they said.
A group of college students from Tantibazar described Shakrain as an emotional connection.
“We were born and raised in Old Dhaka. Flying kites all day and gathering on rooftops in the evening—this joy cannot be found anywhere else,” they said.
After a full day of kite flying, DJ parties and nighttime celebrations are now commonly organized on rooftops and in alleyways across Old Dhaka. Preparations for such events were seen a day in advance, with stages set up and sound systems installed. However, many residents view loud music and DJ parties as a distortion of the festival’s cultural spirit.
The term Shakrain is derived from the Sanskrit word Sankranti, adapted into the local Dhakaiya dialect. Traditionally held on the final day of Paush, the festival is often celebrated over two days in Old Dhaka due to differences between the Bangla calendar and almanac calculations.
Although the festival originated within the Hindu community, Shakrain has for decades been celebrated across Old Dhaka, with kite-flying competitions marking the start of the festivities.
