Bangladesh is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and this is reflected in its many festivals and celebrations. Colorful and vibrant festivities are organized each year to celebrate these occasions, bringing together people from all walks of life. Let’s start from the start of the year
Shakrain, the kite and lightening festival:
One of the most popular festivals in Bangladesh is Shakrain. It is celebrated in the southern city of Dhaka on January 14th every year. This festival is marked by the flying of kites, and the skies over the city are filled with brightly colored kites of all shapes and sizes. On the sunset the sky is colored up with fireworks. Shakrain is a time for people to come together and celebrate the joy of life, with music, dancing, and feasting.
Pohela Boishakh, Bengali New Year:
One of the most famous cultural festivals in Bangladesh is the Pohela Boishakh. It is held every year to celebrate the Bengali New Year. This festival is celebrated by people from all walks of life, and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrancy and diversity of Bangladesh’s cultural scene. The Boishakhi Mela features traditional food, music, and dance, and attracts thousands of visitors. This festival is celebrated on the first day of the Bengali calendar, which is April 14th of every year. The celebration begins at sunrise and continues until evening.
Colorful Durga Puja:
Durga Puja is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Bangladesh, especially for the Hindu community. This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, and is marked by the worship of the goddess Durga. During Durga Puja, people visit pandals (temporary temples) and offer prayers. The city parts around the Puja Mondop is filled with colorful lights and decoration. It is a unique cultural even of the Bangali people celebrated in large scale from the start of 19th century in Bangladesh and West Bengal of India. The date is not fixed as it co-related with the moon cycle. It usually happens on the 2nd week of October.
Eid-ul-Fitr:
Eid-ul-Fitr is the biggest religious festival in Bangladesh. It is celebrated by the Muslim community at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This celebration is marked by the sighting of the new moon. Eid is a time for people to come together and celebrate with food, music, and prayer. People dress in new clothes and visit friends and family, and children receive gifts and new notes from the elderly. The full month of Ramadan, is cheerful around the country with shopping and iftar mart that gets busy and vibrant around the evening. The joyful event also connected with moon cycle and from 2024 and onawads, it will be on month of April and will move towards January 10-12 days per year.
Rash Mela – most touristic Festivals in Bangladesh:
Rash mela is another important festival in Bangladesh considering touristic concern. Rash festival is specially for those who live in the Sreemangal area. This festival is celebrated during the full moon in the month November, and marks the end of the harvest season. It is celebrated by Hindu and Monipuri community living in Sreemangal area and also celebrated in Dublar Char in Sundarban. The Monipuri Dance and community celebration is the main attraction of the festival of Sreemangal area.
Other festivals in Bangladesh include the Bengali festival of Nabanno, the Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima, and Baisabi in Chittagong Hill Tracks area. Each festival has its own unique traditions and customs, and reflects the diversity and richness of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
In conclusion, festivals in Bangladesh are an important part of the country’s cultural identity. It offers a glimpse into the lives and traditions of its people of Bangladesh. From the colorful kite-flying festival of Shakrain to the grandeur of Durga Puja, and the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr, there is always something to celebrate in Bangladesh.