Sakrain brings a splash of colour to Old Dhaka

Rooftops, alleys and markets come alive as the centuries-old kite festival marks Poush Sankranti

Old Dhaka has once again embraced a festive transformation as Sakrain, popularly known as Poush Sankranti, is being celebrated on Wednesday (January 14). One of the city's oldest cultural festivals, Sakrain has filled the historic neighbourhoods with vibrant colours, joyful gatherings and traditional kite-flying celebrations.

Widely recognised as the kite festival of Old Dhaka, Sakrain sees thousands of colourful kites soaring across the winter sky during the day, while fireworks and flying lanterns illuminate the skyline after sunset.

A visit to several areas on Sunday (January 11) revealed a growing festive mood in Sutrapur, Nawabpur, Dhopkhola, Shyambazar, Shankharibazar, Tantibazar, Laxmibazar, Sadarghat, Gandaria, Lalbagh and Chawkbazar. Kite shops were busy with customers, and residents were seen decorating rooftops in anticipation of the celebrations.

School student Ashfaq, who came to buy kites, said, "We wait all year for this festival. It feels just like Eid. I've bought many kites and we'll enjoy the whole day."

Markets are offering a wide range of traditional and decorative kites. In Dhopkhola, popular varieties include Chokhdar, Rokdar, Gorudar, Machhlenga, Fitalenga, Chand Tara and Box kites. Meanwhile, Shankharibazar is known for Choshmadar, Kautadar, Pankhiraj, Projapoti, Eagle, Hawk, Bat, Love Muri, Tekka, Maladar and foreign-designed kites. Prices range from Tk 5 to Tk 20 for regular kites, while special designs cost between Tk 100 and Tk 300.

The sale of kite accessories has also gained momentum. Wooden, iron and chabadi reels are being sold at prices ranging from Tk 100 to Tk 1,000, while different types of strings-Dragon, Bhut and Bilai Suta-are available for Tk 50 to Tk 500. Fireworks such as five-shot, twelve-shot, Kadam Phool, Tara Shot and rockets, along with decorative lanterns, are also in demand.

Local resident Shyampal said Sakrain is celebrated in his neighbourhood through small family gatherings. "Alongside kite flying, we arrange games and activities for children. 

It's a joyful and inclusive family event," he said.

Despite the visible preparations, traders say this year's celebrations are comparatively subdued. Dilip Nag, owner of Pabitra Bhandar in Shankharibazar, noted that sales remain moderate. "Compared to previous years, business has declined, although wholesale buyers are still active. We hope sales will increase as the day progresses," he said.

Veteran trader Likhan Deb Roy, who has been in the kite business for over six decades, echoed similar concerns. "Every year, Sakrain generates sales worth millions of taka. But this year, from the beginning, sales have been slow and the festive excitement is noticeably lower," he said.

Amid the celebrations, some residents have stressed the importance of safety and environmental awareness. Mizanur Rahman of Laxmibazar said, "There should be control over loud sound systems and risky fireworks. We want to celebrate peacefully with our families."

Historically, Sakrain dates back to the Mughal era, originating around 1740 during the reign of Nawab Naib-e-Nazim Nawajesh Mohammad Khan, making it one of the oldest surviving cultural traditions of Old Dhaka.