Kite festival to decorate capital’s sky

On the last day of Poush of the year 1427 in the Bengali calendar, Dhaka south is all set to celebrate Shakrain, a festival of flying kites for the first time. 

The capital's sky will be filled with 10,000 colourful kites on January 14, under the message, "Let's fly kites, nurture our tradition".

The Mayor of Dhaka south, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, made the announcement about Shakrain 1427 during a press conference at Hanif auditorium at Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday.

Following the press conference, 75 councilors of general seats and 25 women councilors of reserved seats of the 75 wards of Dhaka South City Corporation, were provided 10,000 kites each.

The Mayor said, "For the very first time this Mujib year, we are all set to celebrate the Shakrain festival as a part of cherishing and celebrating the traditions of Dhaka, according to our election manifesto. The festival will start at 2 pm and will run till evening on January 14."

Inviting all the citizens of Dhaka to join in the festival, the Mayor added, "We will supply more than 10,000 kites for the festival; but you may take part and fly as many kites as you want. We will all work together to preserve Dhaka's heritage." 

"Shakrain festival is a tradition of old Dhaka. Over time, this tradition has spread across the country beyond the boundaries of the old city. But the frenetic pace of urban life busy city life has made us forget that the Sakrain Festival is a shining example of our tradition," he added.

Aside from the general public and ward councilors, the authority will also supply kites to the members of parliament. The south city corporation will arrange a Pitha Festival and cultural event to mark the occasion. 

DSCC Chief Executive Officer, ABM Amin Ullah Nuri; Dhaka-4 MP Abul Hossain Babla; DSCC's Member, Standing Committee on Sports and Culture and Councilor of Ward No. 24, Mokaddes Hossain Zahid, were also present at the press conference. 

The word "Shakrain" is derived from the Sangskrit word "songkranti", meaning "ending", as the festival is held on the last day of Poush. Although traditionally popular in old Dhaka, this festival symbolizes unity and friendship.