Say no to anarchy in the name of Shakrain

Shakrain Festival of Old Dhaka

The tip-top Dhaka, surrounded by rivers, was once the best city in the world. Everyone used to come to this green city for its hospitality. The cute Shakrain was one of the sources of entertainment for the local people. Every house would become a neighborhood. Shakrain was celebrated in a family atmosphere. Cooking according to one's means, making pithapuli, and giving gifts of latai to the son-in-law's house were part of the traditional Shakrain.

In recent times, Shakrain has become a horror in the life of the people of Old Dhaka. From the night before January 14, almost all the roofs were occupied by young people of the age, against the wishes of the building owners of Old Dhaka; especially in the Sutrapur Kotwali area. Before the dawn hour ended, the buildings started shaking with loud noises. The faces of unknown young men and women were everywhere. The loud horn of the vehicle called Goonda honked all day in the narrow streets. As the afternoon progresses, the eyes are wide open, the legs are wobbly, the boys and girls are swaying in this street; The strangely shaped hair and clothes are seen. The dear parents do not even know that their children are growing up! In the evening, there are terrible fireworks; The effects of which last until the next day!

Meanwhile, the lives of the elderly inside the house go on. Children and teenagers start running around in the hope of pure entertainment. The housewives try to avoid all outside activities. The person who constantly stands in the front row by beating the necks of the worshipers also forgets the responsibility of being a good neighbor. Standing in the mosque and temple is also a responsibility. The people of the area survive by somehow getting through the day.

In the last few years, the festival of Shakrain in Old Dhaka has changed like this. It has become an irony for people's lives. Even deaths have occurred from high roofs. Although many people avoid Old Dhaka, on January 14, people from different parts of Dhaka gather here. Potential youth are financed as a ladder to power. Requests for occupation come for the roof. Although no reports are published on the education-culture-environment of Old Dhaka or the development of the opulent buildings, the news of the festival that hurts people is being broadcasted; Channel after channel is full of festival gossip and interviews!

On the occasion of Sakrain, millions of taka are wasted and fireworks are set off. A section of society drowns in shamelessness in the name of fun. A group of corporate businessmen become active on this day, adopting Shakrain. They take Old Dhaka hostage. As the saying goes, when shame is gone, nothing can stop them from doing anything. The day is a burning witness to nudity and madness.

On the last day of the month of Paush, January 14, the Ghuddi festival, known as Shakrain, is held. What were those days in Old Dhaka like? The day before, the yarn was bought from the market, coated with paint, glass powder, and series paper; if there was none, the elder brothers would add extra sticks. The sticks were made of bamboo. The thorn of a large tree was tied to the top of the stick, so that the thorn could easily fall off the kite. Even if there was a struggle for money, the microphone was brought by depositing in advance. In the hotels at the crossroads, the ghuddi players would go up to the roof before the tea kettle could even smoke. They would just wait for the end of the Fajr prayer. Leaving the microphone in their hands, the colorful ghuddi floated in the sky---the eyed Maladar, the eyed Pankhiraj, the Gaheldar, how many more names! For breakfast, they would have Bakharkhani soaked in milk at night or pitha-moa made in the morning. The ghadi pitha received as a gift from the in-laws' house was shared with the neighbors. All day long, each other's ghudis are being beaten or the winner's roof is being shouted in a group, lot lot lot! ! !

As a proud resident of Aishwarya Mandit Dhaka, my colleagues want to know about Shakrain, many are eager to get an invitation. I am embarrassed about the changing festival. Relatives from inside and outside Dhaka will go up to someone's roof. I also want to fly ghudis; with my friends and children. But not by oppressing neighbors or hurting people in the name of tradition. One day we will have to give an account of all this. Let's say no to this anarchy in the name of Shakrain. Let's come forward to protect the city of tradition and hospitality, Dhaka. Our love will keep the city of Dhaka alive. – Press release