Shakrain
Shakrain Festival (Bengali: সাকরাইন; also known as Kite festival and Ghuri Utsob) is an annual celebration in Dhaka, Bangladesh, observed with the flying of kites.[1] It occurs at the end of Poush, the ninth month of the Bengali calendar (January 14 or 15 in Gregorian calendar).[1] This day is known as Poush Sangkranti (Bengali: পৌষ সংক্রান্তি; End of Poush).
Shakrain Festival | |
---|---|
Fire work during the festival | |
Also called | Poush Sangkranti |
Type | Traditional |
Date | January 14 or 15 |
Shakrain Festival is one of the oldest annual festivals of Bangladesh. It's famous and a very important event in Bangladeshi culture. It is the symbol of unity and friendship in Bangladesh.
Events
Shakrain is celebrated mostly around the southern part of Dhaka city.[1][2] As part of the celebration, colourful kites are flown high from the rooftops around the area in the afternoon.[1][3] It often takes the form of kite fighting, in which participants try to snag each other's kites or cut other kites down.[3]
When night falls, fireworks light up the sky of old Dhaka. Flame-eaters also gather on the roofs to entertain people with their skills of manipulating fire.[1] Music awakens the whole town, while people keep dancing from their hearts. Bringing thousands of people together to compete and have fun, it is an occasion and a day every youngsters wait eagerly for.
Gallery
References
- "Shakrain festival". The Daily Star. 19 January 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
- "The Kite Festival". The Daily Sun. 20 January 2012.
- "Kite Festival during Makar Sankranti". Demotix. 15 January 2012.