Shakrain: Where tradition, colour, community rise together across Old Dhaka's winter sky
As evening approaches, the colourful kites slowly disappear with the setting sun, and the sky takes on a new identity, adorned with fireworks, lights and occasional fire shows
On the final day of Poush, the sky above Old Dhaka transforms into a vibrant canvas, alive with hundreds of colourful kites, cheers from rooftops, and the sharp tension of "bhokatta" kite-fighting.
This is Shakrain, one of the city's oldest and most diverse folk festivals, celebrated with exuberance across the narrow lanes, crowded rooftops and open skies of historic neighbourhoods.
Marking the "Makar Sankranti", Shakrain is deeply rooted in Old Dhaka's cultural memory. Though the scale and style of celebration have evolved over time, the heart of the festival remains unchanged, which is flying kites.
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For more than a century, people of all ages and communities, Hindus and Muslims alike, have come together on this day to celebrate tradition and togetherness.
Due to minor variations between the Bangla calendar and almanacs, Old Dhaka residents often celebrate Shakrain over two days each year.
According to Sabrin Nahar, a professor of linguistics at Jagannath University, the term "Shakrain" itself is a Dhakaiya adaptation of the Sanskrit word "Sankranti", which she said reflects the natural evolution of language through oral usage over generations.
Visiting the areas such as Tanti Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Narinda and Gandaria today (14 January) revealed that rooftops in those areas begin to fill with people from early morning. Young men carefully wind their natais (kite-spools), children run about clutching kites, and elderly residents look on, many reliving memories of their own childhoods.
The competition is intense, whose kite flies highest, who cuts the most rivals, and who masters the art of handling bo-kat (glass-coated string).
"We've been celebrating Shakrain since our childhood," said Abir Hasan, a resident of Tanti Bazar.
"Earlier during Shakrain, entire neighbourhoods would come alive every afternoon. Even though today's celebrations sometimes feel overdone with DJ parties, the real spirit of Shakrain is still about flying kites and enjoying the day with friends and family."
Beyond its cultural value, this one of the oldest festivals, also carries economic significance. Temporary markets spring up selling kites, strings, kite-spools and fireworks, providing seasonal income opportunities for small traders and artisans.
In Shankhari Bazar and surrounding areas, business peaks in the days leading up to the festival.
"I've been selling kites for years during this season," said Alamin Sheikh, a shopkeeper from Narinda.
"We also fly kites at home. That's how the idea of selling manja string and kites came. Sales usually start rising from the day before Shakrain."
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Shakrain is its role as a social equaliser. Rooftops become temporary meeting points where families, relatives, friends and sometimes complete strangers gather to celebrate together.
For many, the festival is a powerful draw, transcending distance and time.
Salahuddin Rafi, a private-sector employee who has been visiting Old Dhaka for Shakrain for nearly 12 years, said the festival still holds a special charm.
"I come here every year just for this. Flying kites, eating traditional food, spending the whole day in joy, it meant a lot in my teenage years, and it still does today."
Food plays an essential role in the celebrations. Homes across Old Dhaka prepare traditional delicacies such as pitha and narus, with many families arranging special meals to mark the occasion.
As evening approaches, the colourful kites slowly disappear with the setting sun, and the sky takes on a new identity. Fireworks, lights and occasional fire shows illuminate the night, adding spectacle but also raising safety concerns.
Every year, authorities issue warnings over noise pollution, fire hazards and risks to power lines.
"There are safety risks during Shakrain every year, and this year is no different," said Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Md Aminul Kabir Tarafder of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Lalbagh Zone), addressing security concerns.
"We have issued clear instructions. Apart from kite flying, high-volume music, DJ parties and fireworks are restricted. Other than that, there are no major security threats," he added.
Who are opposing Shakrain?
Meanwhile, the festival is being observed with noticeably fewer organised activities this year amid opposition from some local groups and campaigns circulating on social media.
This year, however, the festivities appear muted in several neighbourhoods following protests and objections raised on religious and social grounds.
Such protests have reportedly become more frequent after the 2024 July Uprising and the fall of the Awami League government.
Experts see the calls against Shakrain as part of a broader pattern of resistance to local cultural traditions.
Writer and researcher Tarun Sarkar said such opposition is not new.
"Attacks on Bengali culture have existed since the British era. Time and again, a particular group has opposed and attacked various folk and traditional Bengali festivals. This cannot be blamed on religion itself," he said.
Anthropologist and political analyst Jobaida Nasrin said Shakrain plays an important social role.
"Shakrain brings people together, fostering communication and mutual harmony. Such festivals create spaces for social interaction," she said.
However, she added that some groups have increasingly obstructed these interactions in recent times.
"Political motives are at work. As a result, people's festivals and social connections are being disrupted."
