Dhaka awaits Mughal-style Eid celebration, breathes easy as 9-day break starts
According to historians, such processions of Mughal emperors would make their way to the Eid congregations
Dhaka, the city that never sleeps, has already taken a deserted look following the departure of millions of Eid holidaymakers, thanks to the extended 9-day Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, and relatively disciplined transportation management this year.
Though the prevalence of thin traffic across Dhaka's streets and eerie silence in its allies is a usual sight for the city during Eid breaks, this will continue a bit longer this year as the holiday break is of nine days that started on 28 March.
Expected to be celebrated on 30 or 31 March, subject to moon sighting, this is the first Eid since the Awami League government's ouster in last year's mass uprising.
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This time, the capital is set to host grand celebrations for Eid-ul-Fitr, featuring processions reminiscent of the Mughal era to commemorate Dhaka's rich history spanning thousands of years, as planned by the representatives of the "New Bangladesh."
Processions were a significant part of Eid celebrations in the Mughal Empire. According to historians, such processions of Mughal emperors would make their way to the Eid congregations.
The celebrations will encompass band parties, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live music, according to the city corporations and other relevant organisations.
Preparations at eidgahs, mosques almost done
Meanwhile, eidgahs and mosques in the city have almost prepared to host Eid jamaats.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) says the main Eid congregation will be held at the National Eidgah at 8:30am. If the weather turns unfavourable, the location will be moved to the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9am.
This year, the old venue of Dhaka Int'l Trade Fair in Agargaon will host an Eid congregation for the first time. After the prayers, a Mughal-style procession, along with a fair, will take place.
Attendees will be offered various food items, including sweets, on the occasion.
Initiated by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), another Eid procession will be held at 9am after the congregation.
The procession will move through the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre, along Agargaon main road, and Manik Mia Avenue, concluding near the National Parliament building.
Participants will carry placards and festoons carrying Eid messages.
Recreation centres ready to host visitors
Meanwhile, the recreation centres and tourist destinations in the city have made all necessary preparations to receive visitors throughout the Eid holidays.
Among those are Mirpur National Zoo, National Museum, DNCC Wonderland (Shishu Mela), Hatirjheel, Ahsan Manzil, Baldha Garden, Shishu Park and Ramna Udyan.
On the city's outskirts, there are Fantasy Kingdom and Nandan Park.
These destinations made various efforts, including beautification activities, to draw in visitors, and improve the service.
Also, various parks and the Dhaka University campus as well as Hatirjheel are among the open spaces expected to be filled with visitors during the Eid holidays.
Staff and officials of these destinations expect a lively influx of visitors on the occasion.
