Dhaka lines up an array of festive events to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

As Bangladeshis gear up for Eid-ul-Fitr, Dhaka’s entertainment venues are colourfully decked out ahead of the celebrations. From amusement parks to theatre plays and music concerts, residents can indulge in a host of festivities on their outings this Eid, say organisers and cultural figures.

In a post on Facebook, Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said: “Bangladesh is a country of many languages, many opinions, and many faiths. Everything we experience in our lives in this diverse society is part of our culture.”

He added that divisive politics no longer has a place in this culture milieu.

'ANANDA ANUSTHAN' AT SHILPAKALA ACADEMY

To mark "Chand Raat", the eve of Eid, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a festive event titled “Ananda Anusthan” (Celebration of Joy) for residents.

The event will take place at 7:00pm on Sunday at the academy's Nandan Mancha and will also be broadcast live on the its official Facebook page, according to the institution's public relations department.

Highlighting the two "important" cultural events arranged for Eid, Farooki said: "A Chand Raat Eid celebration has been organised by Shilpakala Academy. It will feature Emon Chowdhury and Bengal Symphony of 'Kotha Koiyo Na' and 'Shada Shada Kala Kala' fame, along with Nancy and qawwali singer Ameri. Plus, a Mehedi (henna) festival will also take place."

"On Eid day, the city corporation is organising the Eid prayer congregation and processions. Eid processions were part of our tradition. They’re coming back this year. Come join us at both events!”

DNCC'S TWO-DAY FAIR

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is organising a festive fair called "Eid Ananda".

According to the DNCC, the event will take place at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre grounds from 9am to 5am on Eid day and the following day.

A statement from the city authority also announced that an Eid congregation for residents of the DNCC area will be held at the open field beside the exhibition centre (the former trade fair grounds).

After the Eid prayers, a procession will begin from the same location. The procession will pass in front of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre, move through Agargaon and Khamar Bari intersection, and end at Manik Mia Avenue.

This year, with Pohela Boishakh, or Bengali New Year, following closely after Eid, the festive atmosphere is expected to last longer. Despite the extended celebrations, entertainment venues in and around the capital say they are well prepared to ensure that services continue without disruption.

MAMUNUR RASHID'S PLAY IN MIRPUR

To mark the Eid festivities, a new stage production titled "Tumba O Protibeshi" (Tumba and the Neighbour) will be performed at Riddhi Gallery in Mirpur-11.

The play will run on Eid day and the following two days, with two shows each evening at 7:00pm and 8:15pm.

Penned, directed and performed solo by veteran thespian Mamunur Rashid, the play centres on the unusual bond between a retired man in his sixties and his neighbour’s dog, Tumba. The production is brought to audiences by Bangla Theatre.

Advance ticket sales are already underway. Those interested can book by calling 01831910913.

“There will be six shows over the three days,” Rashid told bdnews24.com.

“Although Mirpur is densely populated, cultural events there have slowed down. We chose Riddhi Gallery to give local residents a chance to enjoy theatre as part of their Eid celebrations,” he added.

Located near the Mirpur-11 metro station, Riddhi Gallery is easily accessible from across the city. Rashid encouraged theatre lovers to join in and enjoy a play that adds cultural flavour to the spirit of Eid.

NATIONAL ZOO OPEN THROUGHOUT HOLIDAYS

For families looking to spend quality time outdoors this Eid, the National Zoo in Mirpur offers a fun and educational escape, especially for children eager to see their favourite animals up close.

The zoo will remain open throughout the Eid holidays, following its regular schedule, according to Zoo Director Rafiqul Islam Talukder.

While there are no major new attractions this year, visitors can still look forward to seeing a pair of tiger cubs and a newborn zebra, which may add to the festive excitement.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Talukder said: “We always make preparations ahead of Eid. The zoo will remain open throughout the week as usual, with adequate security arrangements for visitors.”

However, he confirmed that the zoo will still observe its weekly closure on Sunday, even during the Eid week.

On all other days, the zoo will be open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

“This time, Sunday falls just before Eid, and the next one comes nearly six days after the festival,” the director said. “So we’ve decided to keep the Sunday closure in place. That said, if there’s a significant surge in visitor numbers, we might reconsider and open the zoo that day as well. For now, we’re planning to remain closed on Sunday.”

NATIONAL MUSEUM TO OPEN BRIEFLY ON EID DAY

For those looking to enjoy a cultural outing this Eid, the Bangladesh National Museum offers a chance to explore the country's rich heritage and history -- even if only for a few hours.

The museum will open for a special four-hour window on Eid day, but remain closed for the rest of the week in line with government holidays.

Md Abdul Quddus, the museum's senior administrative officer, said: “The museum will be open on Eid day from 12pm to 4pm. After that, it will remain closed through Thursday due to public holidays. Since Friday is our regular weekly closure, the museum will reopen from Saturday according to its usual hours”

Under the usual timetable, the museum is open Saturday to Wednesday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, while Thursday and Friday are weekly holidays.

Gallery hours are from 10:30am to 5:30pm on Saturday to Wednesday, and from 3:00pm to 8:00pm on Fridays.

SHISHU MELA GETS A COLOURFUL MAKEOVER

To make Eid more vibrant for children and families, Shishu Mela, also known as DNCC Wonderland, in Dhaka’s Shyamoli area has been given a festive facelift.

A long-time favourite among young visitors, the amusement park is preparing for a holiday rush with 17 family rides and over 70 rides tailored for kids -- just in time for both Eid and Pohela Boishakh.

A visit to the park on Friday revealed a flurry of last-minute touch-ups. Workers were seen decorating the entrance with lights and painting the walls beside various rides. Most of the ride refurbishments and repainting have already been completed.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, park manager Rajibul Chowdhury said: “Visitor numbers are usually low during Ramadan, so we use this time for maintenance and touch-ups. All the rides have been repaired and painted this year. Since Pohela Boishakh follows soon after Eid, we've prepared for both celebrations together.”

The park will remain open all seven days of the week during the Eid holidays, according to Rajibul.

“Although we’re usually open from 10:00am to 8:30pm, we may extend closing hours until 10:00pm if there’s a larger crowd during Eid,” he said.

With the closure of Shahbagh’s National Children’s Park in recent years, Shishu Mela in Shyamoli has become a go-to destination for families with children on special occasions. This year, too, the park is fully prepared to offer Eid joy to young visitors, according to park officials.

In addition to a wide variety of rides, the park also has an on-site restaurant for refreshments. Entry tickets cost Tk 100 per person, and each ride requires an additional Tk 50. However, children under three can enter for free.

Asked about the most popular attractions at the park, Rajibul highlighted a few crowd favourites, including the "Merry-Go-Round", "Chuk Chuk Train", "Honey Swing", "Crazy Car", and "Swan Adventure Ride".