Dhaka South to host week-long ‘Hridoye Dhaka’ festival to mark city’s 416th anniversary

The Dhaka South City Corporation will organise a week-long festival titled “Hridoye Dhaka” (Dhaka in Our Hearts) from 31 July to 7 August to celebrate the 416th anniversary of Dhaka and observe Dhaka Day on 1 August.

The announcement was made today (13 July) at a press conference at Nagar Bhaban by Dhaka South Administrator Md Abdus Salam.

Speaking at the event, Salam said Dhaka began its journey as the capital of the Subah of Bengal in 1610, while the establishment of the Dhaka Municipality on 1 August 1864 marked the beginning of modern urban governance in the city.

He said the city corporation has decided to observe 1 August as ‘Dhaka Day’ in recognition of the day’s historical significance.

Describing “Hridoye Dhaka” as more than a festival, he said it is a long-term initiative aimed at reviving the city’s history, heritage, culture and civic consciousness while encouraging greater public participation in creating a clean and environmentally sustainable city.

The week-long programme will feature a wide range of cultural, heritage and recreational events. It will begin on 31 July with the Dhaka Heritage Cycle Rally and a traditional procession. On 1 August, marking Dhaka Day, the city corporation will organise the Dhaka Heritage Marathon, the festival’s inaugural ceremony and the “Clean City, Green City” campaign.

Events on 2 August will include a kite festival, “Dhaka Adda,” qawwali performances and cultural programmes, while 3 August will feature a traditional boat race on the Buriganga River.

Throughout 1-7 August, the festival will also host Dhaka-themed film screenings, stage plays, an art camp, a painting competition, The Great Dhaka Sale, and Heritage Cruise events celebrating the city’s rich history and culture.