Shakrain is a century-old traditional festival in Bangladesh. From the Mughal period to the present day, this festival has been celebrating here every year. Despite becoming one of the oldest annual festivals, very few people in our country know about it. However, the celebration of this event is limited only to the older part of Dhaka city.
Shakrain festival is celebrated on the last day of the Bengali month, Poush. Thus, the other name of ‘Shakrain’ festival is “Poush Sankranti”. On the last day of Poush, the sun moves towards its southward from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer. Therefore, it is also known as “Makar Sankranti”.
However, this festival has got countrywide popularity as ‘Kite festival’. On this occasion, people belong to different ages- children, youngsters, middle-aged- fly kites of different colors and shapes from the rooftop. Though kite is flown from the beginning of the day, it becomes more serious in the afternoon, thus leading the kite flying competition to take the form of kite fighting. Participants who join this competition often brag about how many kites of others they have cut down.
Shakrain festival becomes more colorful with the setting of the sun. Fireworks, lanterns (paper balloons) and flame-eating (also called fire-breathing) are also arranged on the rooftop to entertain people of all ages. Fireworks and flame-breathers’ skill of manipulating fire will make you thrill. Apart from these, laser lightings, music and dance parties are also arranged by the young people of the community.
Shakrain
is a non-communal festival because people from different social statuses and
religions celebrate it. It connects people irrespective of their social status
and religion. That is why, it is called the symbol of brotherhood, unity and
happiness.
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