Where kites fly high
Dhaka celebrates the end of the Sakrain festival with kite fights
People living in the old part of the Dhaka city are a fun-loving lot – there’s no argument about that. From their lavish meals to the never-ending wedding ceremonies, their many elaborate and extravagant affairs are clear evidence of knowing how to party!
The night of the Sakrain festival is one such example. A mainly Hindu festival, Poush Shankranti marks the end of the ninth month of the Bengali calendar. Dates of the event vary according to different localities but this year, it’s being celebrated in Dhaka on Thursday and Friday.
Sakrain is about kite-flying. Flaunting awe-inspiring kites of myriad colours and shapes and sizes, and taking part in the thrill of kite-fighting, has been a Sakrain tradition for time immemorial.
But the festival doesn’t stop as the sun (and the surviving kites!) come down.
“You’ve got to come at night!” my friends in the old part of town say and they have a point, as they take to their rooftops for the party.
The neighbourhood buzzes with people. Every corner of its narrow alleys are occupied with friends having a good time, people passionately discussing their episodes of kite flying or opponents raging against one another over foul play.
Loud speakers spring into life with Bollywood numbers – a particular favourite being “Yo Yo Honey Singh” and the street transforms into an open-air nightclub. Beams of light, in red, yellow, blue and every other colour in the rainbow move about amongst the houses. Beautiful fireworks illuminate the night sky.
Festivals and fire go hand in hand, it seems, with men whirling fiery strings and ravishing flames were brought out from the mouths of the daredevils.
And then there are the sweets – hundreds of them and all loaded with sugar.
Sakrain this year is just around the corner. My friends didn’t invite me this time. They probably figured that parties are not for me and that I would rather be home.
This Sakrain, I will surprise them.
