Shakrain
A Traditional Festival
Bipul K Debnath
Colourful kites flying high from the rooftops of almost every house dotted the clear blue winter sky in Shutrapur, Dholaikhal and Laxmibazar of Old Dhaka on the afternoon of January 14. Kite fighting, where participants try to cut and bring down each others kites, was also going on in full swing. At sunset, bright fireworks lit up the sky and fire-eaters gathered on rooftops to entertain people with their skills of eating and blowing flames with their mouths. At night, the festive people of the old town started releasing fanush or paper lanterns, up into the night sky, while youngsters danced to DJ music. And in this way, Shakrain was celebrated.
Shakrain or Ghuri Utsab (kite festival) is an annual mid-winter celebration in our country. People celebrate this festival, also known as Poush Sangkranti, at the end of Poush, the 9th month of the Bengali calendar. Shakrain has a unique appeal as a festival of flying kites for the residents of Old Dhaka.
While sharing his experience with YI, Sazal Kundu, one of the event organisers near Laxmibazar, said: I have been participating in the festival since my childhood. This year, we have made a group (on Facebook) named Big Blast Shakrain Festival 2k17 with our friends, including Fahad Billah, Sumon, Siam, Rajib. We have done kite flying, kite fighting and we are going to enjoy the fireworks.
About the significance of the festival, Rajib, a local resident, said: I have been taking part in this festival for 10 years. It gives me much pleasure. The kite fighting, in which everyone tries to cut down the kites of others, is really an enjoyable part of this festival. And of course, its a great chance for us to reunite with old friends and have fun together.
Mithila, a guest who came from Khilgaon, shared her feeling with much excitement: We are here for the first time and enjoying it very much. We had fun flying colourful kites. Now, we are going to take part in the fireworks and DJ programme.
Many households arrange rooftop parties, with sumptuous Old Dhaka delicacies like pitha (rice cakes), teheri, kebabs and tea with molasses for the occasion and invite family and friends for get-togethers. It is also a good opportunity for residents of the new town to travel to the old part of the city by the Buriganga River and enjoy some traditional hospitality.
Azahar, another event organiser of Shakrain Utsab 2017 near Dholaikhal said: We are celebrating this kite flying festival along with our friends. Since we left college long ago, we have arranged this festival to a get together amongst us.
As Pahela Boishakh is a part of the lives of Bangalees, in the same manner, Shakrain is also an important festival for those who live in Puran (Old) Dhaka, Azahar added.
Niloy, a visitor from Mirpur, said: I am here for the first time. When I came to know about Shakrain last year, I took a decision to join it. So, this year I am here and enjoying a lot with the traditions of Old Dhaka. I wish grand success for the festival.
All in all, Shakrain is a festival of old traditions, happiness and friendship. And obviously, it rekindles kinship and joy between the people of Old Dhaka and the rest of the city. Thus, this very special day has been celebrated for generations.
Photos: Showvik Saha
