In Pictures: Getting into the groove for Shakrain

That time of the year is back: Dhaka celebrates Shakrain, the festival of kites and lights. 

One of the oldest festivals in Bangladesh, Shakrain marks Poush Sankranti, or the end of Poush, the ninth month in Bangla calendar. The day-long celebration, which takes place in mid-January, kicks off with kite flying: people get on to their rooftops for kite fights with neighbours. 

As the sun goes down, the party and fireworks take over the festivities. 

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, which is still raging in Bangladesh as well as the world, residents of Old Dhaka came out to celebrate Shakrain on Thursday, with little regards for health safety. The photos were taken in Shankharibazar, Old Dhaka.