Old Dhaka’s heritage came alive through landmarks, food and transport.
People from all walks of life take part in a colourful procession held as part of the month-long “Hridoye Dhaka 416” festival organised by Dhaka South City Corporation. Photo: Rajib Dhar
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People from all walks of life take part in a colourful procession held as part of the month-long “Hridoye Dhaka 416” festival organised by Dhaka South City Corporation. Photo: Rajib Dhar
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) brought the history and heritage of the capital to the streets of Old Dhaka today (28 August), staging a colourful procession to mark the city’s 416th anniversary.
The procession, part of DSCC’s month-long ‘Hridoye Dhaka 416’ festival, began in Lakshmibazar and passed through several streets before ending at Nagar Bhaban, drawing thousands of people.
Participants recreated some of Dhaka’s best-known landmarks, including Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the Central Shaheed Minar, Lal Kuthi, Tara Mosque, Dhakeshwari Temple, a Buddhist temple and Dhaka Gate.
The procession also featured portrayals of historical figures associated with the city, including Queen Victoria, Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah, Nila Rag (Roy), Nicholas Pogose, Jinnahbhai and Pari Bibi.
The procession began at the Jagannath University campus on Friday, with a large number of citizens joining the festivities featuring traditional horse-drawn carriages, musical bands and colourful costumes. Photo: Rajib Dhar
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The procession began at the Jagannath University campus on Friday, with a large number of citizens joining the festivities featuring traditional horse-drawn carriages, musical bands and colourful costumes. Photo: Rajib Dhar
Traditional foods associated with Old Dhaka, including bakorkhani, Nanna Biryani and Beauty Lassi, were also represented. Displays of steamers, horse-drawn carriages and palanquins evoked the city’s traditional modes of transport.
DSCC Administrator M Abdus Salam said the initiative was aimed at encouraging citizens to develop greater love, attachment and a sense of responsibility towards Dhaka.
“We launched the month-long ‘Hridoye Dhaka 416’ festival to present Dhaka’s history and heritage to its residents and the world,” he said, thanking people for their enthusiastic participation.
Bangshal, Old Dhaka. Photo: Rajib Dhar
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Bangshal, Old Dhaka. Photo: Rajib Dhar
The procession turned the streets of Old Dhaka into a lively celebration, with people of different ages lining both sides of the roads. Young people and children also joined the procession in colourful attire.
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