Eid brings Kuakata back to life as tourists fill the beach

Just a few weeks ago, Kuakata's beaches were eerily quiet. During the long month of Ramadan, the beach areas had slipped into a calm, almost deserted state, with few tourists to be seen. But as Eid-ul-Fitr dawned, the scene transformed completely. The once-empty sands are now filled with visitors, bringing the long-awaited vibrancy back to the shores of the "Daughter of the Sea."

On Monday (31 March), the beaches of Kuakata have been buzzing with activities since morning, as an increasing number of visitors flood the shores to make the most of the long Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. The crowds, a mix of families, friends, and solo travelers, can be seen enjoying the beach, the salty sea breeze, and the scenic spots around town.

Among the many iconic destinations, places like Shutki Palli, Gangamati Beach, Rakhine Palli, Ecopark, Hilsa Park, Lemon Forest, and Jhaubagan are all open to tourists and brimming with life. Some visitors are taking a dip in the sea, relishing the cool waves; others are snapping pictures of the breathtaking views, while a few rest under umbrellas, their feet in the sand, soaking up the calm atmosphere. Horse rides along the shore provide a leisurely way to take in the stretch of the beach.

Photo: Syed Mehedi Hasan/TBS

"The beach is alive again," says Sajal Das, a tourist who arrived with his family for the Eid holidays. "I came yesterday, and there was hardly anyone here. But by this morning, the whole beach is full of people. It feels great to be here with so many people."

The scene stands in stark contrast to the quiet days of Ramadan, when tourism in Kuakata had slowed down, leaving both visitors and local business owners with little to do. But today, the hustle and bustle are back. Hotels, restaurants, and local vendors are seeing a surge in activity as tourists return.

Zainul Abedin Jewel, manager at Hotel D'More, reflects the optimism sweeping through the local hospitality industry.

"We have 60% of our rooms booked for Eid. The long holiday has brought in a great response, and we are hopeful for a steady flow of tourists in the coming weeks," he said.

The return of the tourists has revived more than just the local economy. It has also brought back the lively energy that defines Kuakata's charm. Zahirul Islam, secretary general of the Tour Operators Association of Kuakata (TOAK), notes the significance of the crowds.

 "It's been a long time since we've seen the beach this full. The Eid holidays have brought a much-needed boost to tourism, and the place is buzzing once again."

Kuakata's economy thrives on tourism, with over 16 professions depending directly on the influx of visitors. From hospitality workers to souvenir vendors, everyone is hard at work providing services and earning a living. The impact of the Eid holiday is clear, as the town sees an influx of both domestic and international tourists, revitalizing the local economy.

Safety, however, remains a top priority as the crowds grow. Habibur Rahman, assistant superintendent of Police at the Tourist Police Kuakata Region, assures visitors of their security.

 "We've deployed six teams at various points across the beach to ensure the safety of tourists. The surge in visitors during the holidays means we're working round the clock to keep everything in check," he said.

For Kuakata, this Eid marks not just a return of tourists, but a renewal of the town's status as a beloved destination—a reminder of the region's unique beauty and the joy of being by the sea.

As the sun sets on another day of festivities, the beach remains filled with laughter, waves, and memories being made—proof that Kuakata's glory days have returned, and this Eid is just the beginning of what promises to be a thriving season for tourism.