Old Dhaka adorns itself with festivities of Poush Sankranti

Every year on the occasion of Poush Sankranti, Old Dhaka becomes colorful with traditional festivals. On this day, everyone indulges in the traditional Shakrain festival.

The Sanskrit word ‍‍`Sankranti‍‍` is a defile form of Shakrain. According to the calendar, this Shakrain festival is organized on the last day of Poush month.

The annual festival of winter season is celebrated on the last day of Bengali Poush month called ‍‍`Shakrain Festival‍‍`. That is why the traditional Shakrain festival of Old Dhaka is also called ‍‍`Poush Sankranti‍‍` or kite festival.

The residents of Old Dhaka celebrate this festival for two days every year due to some difference with Bengali calendar dates. Although this festival belongs to Hindu religions, Shakrain has been celebrated in Old Dhaka for many years.