Winter, one of the six vibrant seasons of Bangladesh, is in full swing.
Among the countless festivals that grace this land of 12 months and thirteen celebrations, the last day of the Bangla month of Poush holds a special place for the residents of Puran Dhaka.
Known as the Shakrain Festival, or Poush Sankranti to some, this day is traditionally marked by a unique blend of cultural festivities.
On January 14 every year, Shakrain transforms Puran Dhaka into a lively hub of celebration.
From early morning, households come alive with the aroma of freshly made pithas (traditional rice cakes).
The sky is usually painted with colourful kites flown from rooftops and streets, while spirited competitions unfold as participants eagerly try to cut their rivals’ kites mid-air.
Rooftops are adorned with vibrant fabrics, and the air is filled with the sound of laughter and cheer.
Preparations for this day begin weeks in advance, making it one of the most anticipated festivals for the locals.
Faded enthusiasm this year
However, this year, the festival appears to have lost some of its usual vigour.
The vibrant skies filled with kites and the bustling streets filled with revellers are notably subdued.
A visit on Tuesday to prominent neighbourhoods like Shankhari Bazar, Sutrapur, Gandaria, Narinda, Kagojitola, and Lakshmibazar revealed the lack of excitement.
Shankhari Bazar, traditionally the epicentre of kite trading, showcased a variety of colourful kites, spools, and strings in intricate designs. Yet, vendors reported a sharp decline in sales, reflecting the festival’s diminished fervour.
“Kites like Char Buya, Kauta, Tana Chokh, Gol Chokh, Moushumi, Love, and Laila are available this year, priced between Tk5 and Tk50,” said a vendor. “Spools and strings, varying in thickness and design, are also stocked, with prices ranging from Tk70 to Tk1,000. Despite this wide array of options, the turnout has been disappointing.”
Shipon, a seasoned vendor in Shankhari Bazar, said: “Compared to previous years, sales are significantly lower. We had high hopes for this year with a diverse collection of kites, but reality has fallen far short. Given the country’s current socio-political climate, preparations have been scaled back to avoid any untoward incidents. As a result, the usual buzz of Shakrain is missing.”
Sujit Kar, a shop owner and long-time resident, echoed similar concerns: “Sales have been slow this year. I ordered thousands of kites, but barely half have sold. In the past, boys would eagerly fly kites and participate in competitions. Nowadays, they seem more interested in music and fireworks, but even that enthusiasm is dwindling.”
Sohel Rana, who travelled from Jatrabari to buy kites, shared his disappointment: “This year’s Shakrain feels different. I came expecting the usual festive crowds and excitement, but there was barely any buzz. The energy that usually defines this day is missing.”
Ajay Saha, a resident of Sutrapur, reminisced about the previous year: “Last year, we celebrated Shakrain with great excitement. This year, it feels lacklustre. The charm and vibrancy that we associate with this festival are nowhere to be seen.”
An enduring tradition
Despite the toned-down celebrations, the essence of Shakrain lingers in the hearts of Puran Dhaka’s residents.
While the skies may not be as colourful and the streets not as lively, the festival still holds a special place in the cultural tapestry of the city.
