Kuakata set for tourism carnival after nine-year wait

The programme features beach football, cricket, a marathon, kite and pitha festivals, a fashion show, musical events and a tour of the char areas. Organisers are expecting a huge turnout of tourists on the beach this time.

Md. Arifuzzaman, a member of the carnival organising committee, Upazila Nirbahi Officer and member secretary of the Beach Management Committee, said the consecutive holidays together with the carnival could draw five to six lakh tourists. Various preparations are being made across the beach in view of this prospect.

He said several new attractions have been added this year, going beyond the conventional format. The plan is to create a festive atmosphere for visitors by blending entertainment, sports, local culture and tourism experiences.

Alongside the participation of different organisations and brands, the carnival will have attractive stalls and photo booths. Remark-Harland has joined as the beauty partner. The company will showcase products from its various beauty and personal care brands and create an added attraction for visitors through its stalls and photo booths.

Those involved hope this will make the festival's entertainment and lifestyle-based programmes even more colourful.

Showcasing Kuakata's natural beauty and local heritage to tourists is also one of the main goals of this year's carnival.

The beach is known for offering the experience of watching both sunrise and sunset from the same spot.

Besides the beach, the Lembur Forest, Gangamati, Red Crab Char, Rakhine village and Buddhist temple hold special appeal for tourists.

Visitors will also get a chance to become familiar with local food, culture and ways of life.

Sports will be a big part of the event, with beach football and beach cricket alongside a beach marathon.

A kite festival and a pitha festival will also be held. Fashion shows, musical events and cultural performances are planned to make the carnival livelier.

The tour of the char areas will give tourists an opportunity to learn about the natural environment and local way of life beyond the beach.

Local tourism entrepreneurs hope the carnival, held after a long break, will put Kuakata's tourism potential back in the spotlight. If the number of tourists rises, related businesses, including hotels, motels, restaurants, transport and local product sales, could also see a positive impact.

Organisers hope the Kuakata Tourism Carnival 2026, blending natural beauty, local heritage, sports and cultural events, will create an attractive experience for tourists and help the growth of the country's tourism sector, reports BSS.