Disappointing Turnout at the Historic Shakrain Festival in Old Dhaka
The vibrant and colorful Shakrain festival, a traditional celebration held in Old Dhaka during the Poush Sankranti, failed to draw the usual crowds this year. The streets of Shankhari Bazar, Tantibazar, Narinda, Dayaganj, and Dhopkhola were noticeably devoid of the usual festive fervor that accompanies Shakrain. The absence of the customary kite-flying, firecrackers, and colorful kites left the residents of old Dhaka disheartened.
The Changing Face of Shakrain
In contrast to previous years, this year’s celebration lacked the usual sparkle and enthusiasm. The streets, although adorned with various types of kites and threads, witnessed a significant decrease in the number of revelers. Plastic kites were also spotted alongside traditional ones, being sold in different shops throughout Old Dhaka, ranging from as low as 5 taka to as high as 500 taka.
A Nostalgic Reminder of Past Festivities
The festival, once a grand affair where in-laws would gift kites and threads to their son-in-law’s family, has now become a shadow of its former self. The owner of Gopal Store in Shankhari Bazar, Sujit Kar, lamented the decline in sales, with only half of the ordered kites being sold. The younger generation now prefers singing and playing musical instruments over flying kites during Shakrain, leading to a noticeable shift in the festival’s essence.
Personal Stories Bring the Festival to Life
On the rooftop of a friend’s house in Mirpur-10, eighth-grader Sagar was flying his favorite green kite. Having cut three kites by evening, he purchased ten more kites for this year’s festival. As a rural boy living in Dhaka, Sagar reminisced about his childhood days spent crafting kites with friends, a memory he now cherishes. Despite the dwindling enthusiasm for Shakrain, the joy of flying kites on the festival day remains a cherished tradition for Sagar.
In conclusion, the Shakrain festival in Old Dhaka, once a grand celebration marked by colorful kites, threads, and joyous gatherings, is now facing a decline in participation and enthusiasm. As modern trends and changing preferences shape the festival’s landscape, the essence of Shakrain continues to evolve, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia for the vibrant celebrations of the past.
