Flying kites and sky lanterns, mesmerizing fireworks, gorgeous lights, parties on all the rooftops and much more happen in Shakrain.

Shakrain is one of the most colorful festivals of Bangladesh. Not familiar with the word? Well, there are countless people even in Bangladesh who still don’t know about this. But nothing to worry about! I’m here to introduce you all with Shakrain and tell you why people from Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka) are always hyped for this festival so much.

1st of all, you may wonder what really is Shakrain. Well, it used to be a festival of flying kites during the Mughal Period of 1740. Day by day the festival turned out bigger and now it is one of the biggest festivals in Bangladesh. Shakrain is also called as “Poush Shangkranti” because it is usually held on the last day of the Bengali month, “Poush” and the 1st day of the Bengali month “Magh”.

In English year, these two days are January 14 and 15. Shakrain became so popular in Puran Dhaka that it is like a competition now about who organizes the best in the whole area. People fly kites all day long and when it’s evening, the fireworks show begins.

Flying sky lanterns is another tradition of Shakrain. Thousands of sky lanterns fly in the sky during the night. One more thing to add, fire breathing. The act of creating a plume or stream of fire by creating a precise mist of fuel from the mouth over an open flame.

Oh, and this is how the buildings of Puran Dhaka looks like.

See how much fun there are in this festival? When are you planning to go to Shakrain? Share your thoughts with us through the comment section below.