Old Dhaka came alive with the vibrant Sakrain festival, marking the end of the Bangla month of Poush. Known as the kite festival, Sakrain featured colorful kite-flying competitions, rooftop fireworks, lanterns, and music. Rooted in Mughal traditions, the event continues to embody the shared cultural spirit and social bonds of Dhaka’s historic neighborhoods.
The historic neighborhoods of Old Dhaka witnessed a spectacular celebration as residents marked Sakrain (Poush Sankranti), one of the city’s oldest and most cherished traditions. The festival, deeply tied to local heritage, transformed the skyline into a canvas of color, light, and sound.
During the day, rooftops filled with kite-flying battles, where neighbors competed to cut each other’s strings, a practice dating back to the Mughal era. As evening descended, the city lit up with fireworks, fire shows, laser displays, and flying lanterns, while rooftops hosted musical programs and community gatherings.
Beyond entertainment, Sakrain reflects the shared life of Old Dhaka, bringing together people across religions and generations in a spirit of unity and joy.
Key Highlights:
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Festival Date: January 14, 2026 (last day of Bangla month Poush)
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Main Attraction: Kite-flying competitions across rooftops
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Evening Festivities: Fireworks, lanterns, laser shows, rooftop music
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Historic Roots: Origin traced back to Mughal-era Dhaka
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Community Spirit: Celebrated across Shankharibazar, Tantibazar, Banglabazar, Sutrapur, and Lalbagh
Sakrain remains a living symbol of Dhaka’s cultural identity, blending tradition with modern celebration, and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub of festive vibrancy.
Sources: BSS News, The Daily Star