Muslim

Eid ul-Fitr: Celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwal, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a time for Muslims to come together for prayers, feasts, and giving charity (Zakat al-Fitr) to those in need.

Eid ul-Adha: Observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, coinciding with the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal (typically a sheep, cow, or goat), and share the meat with family, friends, and those in need.

Chaand Raat: The night before Eid ul-Fitr, it marks the sighting of the new moon that signals the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal. People often gather for late-night shopping, applying henna, and celebrating with family and friends.

Ashura: Occurs on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. For Sunni Muslims, it is a day of fasting and reflection, commemorating the day when the Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny. For Shia Muslims, it holds particular significance as they observe the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala.

Eid-e-Meeladun Nabi: Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), typically observed on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the life, teachings, and legacy of the Prophet.

Shab-e-Qadr: Known as the “Night of Decree,” it falls during the last ten nights of Ramadan, most commonly observed on the 27th night. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and it is considered a night of great blessings and mercy.

Shab-e-Baraat: Occurs on the 15th night of Sha’ban, the 8th month of the Islamic calendar. This night is believed to be when God forgives the sins of those who seek forgiveness and is a time for prayers, seeking forgiveness, and making supplications.

Bishwa Ijtema: One of the largest Islamic congregations held annually, typically in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is an event for Muslims to gather and engage in prayers, lectures, and religious activities. It is not a public holiday but holds great significance in the Muslim community.

Hindu

Durga Puja: Celebrated from the 2nd to the 7th day of the Kartik month in the Bengali calendar, Durga Puja honors the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Bengal and includes elaborate rituals, cultural performances, processions, and the installation of Durga idols in homes and public spaces.

Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. It falls on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of the month of Shravana in the Hindu calendar. Devotees observe fasting, night vigils, and devotional singing and dancing, reenacting the life and miracles of Krishna.

Dolyatra: A festival that celebrates the swinging of Lord Krishna and Radha, often observed in Bengal. It involves the ritual of carrying idols of Radha and Krishna in a procession while devotees sing, dance, and play with colored powders, similar to the celebration of Holi.

Rathayatra: A grand procession in which deities, most famously Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, are taken out in massive chariots. The most popular Rathayatra is held in Puri, Odisha, but other regions, including Dhamrai in Bangladesh, also celebrate it with great enthusiasm.

Kali Puja: A festival dedicated to Goddess Kali, observed mostly in Bengal. Kali is worshipped as a fierce and protective mother goddess, and the festival involves offerings, rituals, and night-long prayers. It is observed on the new moon day in the month of Kartik, which usually coincides with Diwali.

Saraswati Puja: A festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and art. It is celebrated mainly by students, teachers, and artists. During the festival, idols of Saraswati are worshipped, and people place their books and musical instruments near her idol, seeking blessings for success and wisdom. It usually falls on the 5th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha in the Hindu calendar.

Buddhist

Buddha Purnima: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha. It is observed on the full moon day of the Baishakh month (usually April or May) in the Bengali calendar. The day is marked by prayers, rituals, and meditation in Buddhist temples and monasteries, with Buddhists reflecting on Buddha’s teachings.

Madhu Purnima: Celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashvin month (September or October in the Bengali calendar), Madhu Purnima is a significant occasion for Buddhists, especially in Bangladesh. It is marked by offering honey (Madhu) to the Buddha and performing religious rituals in honor of his teachings.

Kathin Chibardan: A festival where Buddhists offer a new robe (Chivar) made of woven cotton to monks and nuns, symbolizing respect and gratitude. This offering is typically made during the end of the Buddhist Vassa (rainy season retreat), which is the time when monks return to their monasteries after spending months in seclusion for meditation and study.

Christian

Boro Din (Christmas): Celebrated on December 25th, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed by Christians worldwide with church services, feasts, giving gifts, and community celebrations. The festival marks the beginning of the holiday season and is a time of joy, charity, and reflection on Christian teachings.

Easter Sunday: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, according to Christian belief. It is the most important festival in the Christian liturgical calendar and is observed with church services, feasting, and the practice of traditions like Easter eggs and processions. The date varies each year, usually falling between March and April.

Patriotic and National Observances Cultural festivals

General

Rokeya Day: Celebrated on December 9th, Rokeya Day honors the life and legacy of Begum Roquiah Sakhawat Hossain, a prominent Bengali social reformer, writer, and educator. She is celebrated for her pioneering role in advocating for women’s rights and education in Bengal.

Rabindra Jayanti: Celebrated on the 25th of Boishakh (usually April or May in the Bengali calendar), Rabindra Jayanti honors the birth of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet, philosopher, and cultural icon. The day is marked by recitations of his poems, songs, and discussions of his literary works, along with cultural programs in schools and cultural institutions.

Nazrul Jayanti: Celebrated on May 25th, Nazrul Jayanti commemorates the birth of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh. Known for his powerful songs and poems advocating for social justice, freedom, and rebellion, Nazrul’s legacy is celebrated with performances of his songs (Nazrul Geeti) and discussions of his works.

Music   

Dhaka World Music Festival:

The Dhaka World Music Festival is an annual celebration of global music genres, bringing together artists from different cultural and musical backgrounds. The festival showcases a variety of performances, from traditional folk music to contemporary global sounds. It provides a platform for both local and international musicians to perform and interact, enriching the cultural landscape of Dhaka. The event usually features concerts, workshops, and musical collaborations, making it a vibrant celebration of music as a universal language. This festival is an important event in Dhaka’s cultural calendar, highlighting Bangladesh’s diverse musical heritage while promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Bengal Classical Music Festival:

The Bengal Classical Music Festival is a prestigious event dedicated to the rich traditions of classical music in Bangladesh. Organized by the Bengal Foundation, it is one of the most prominent cultural festivals in the country. The festival typically features performances by renowned classical musicians from Bangladesh and around the world, with a focus on both Hindustani and Bengali classical music. The event aims to promote the deep-rooted cultural heritage of classical music while providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents. It is an important gathering for connoisseurs of classical music and has become a significant part of the cultural fabric of Dhaka.

Both festivals play an integral role in enriching the cultural life of Bangladesh, offering audiences the chance to experience diverse musical traditions and fostering a deeper appreciation for music across cultures.

Folk

Pahela Baishakh (Bangla Noboborsho):

Pahela Baishakh, also known as Bangla Noboborsho, marks the first day of the Bengali calendar, typically celebrated on April 14th. It is the Bengali New Year and one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Bangladesh. The day is a vibrant celebration of cultural traditions, where people wear traditional attire, partake in grand feasts, and visit friends and family. Special events include processions, traditional music, dancing, and the famous “Mongol Shobhajatra” in Dhaka. It is a time of renewal, where people welcome the new year with joy, hope, and new beginnings.

Boshonto Utshob (Pohela Falgun):

Boshonto Utshob is the Spring Festival, celebrated on the 1st day of Falgun (the 11th month of the Bengali calendar), marking the arrival of spring. It is celebrated with colorful attire, music, dance, and cultural programs. People often wear yellow and orange clothes, symbolizing the warmth and vibrancy of the spring season. The festival celebrates nature’s renewal, flowers blooming, and the season of love. It is a joyous occasion that sets the tone for the upcoming festivals and cultural gatherings.

Nabanna:

Nabanna is a winter and harvest festival celebrated in rural and urban Bangladesh, typically in the month of Agrahayan (November-December in the Gregorian calendar). The festival marks the arrival of the new rice harvest. Traditionally, people prepare a variety of dishes made from freshly harvested rice, including pithas (traditional sweets). It’s a celebration of agricultural abundance, where rural communities especially express their gratitude for the harvest and celebrate with music, dance, and food. In urban areas, people gather for cultural performances and feasts as well.

Borsha Utshob (Monsoon Festival):

Borsha Utshob is the Monsoon Festival, which celebrates the arrival of the rainy season, typically in June. The festival is dedicated to the joy and bounty that comes with the rains, especially for agricultural communities. In this period, the lush greenery and growing crops are celebrated. The monsoon is seen as both a blessing and a time of hardship, as it brings much-needed water for the fields but also floods and other challenges. Festivities often include folk songs, traditional dance, and expressions of gratitude for the rain, which sustains life in rural areas.

Nouka Baich (Boat Racing Festival):

Nouka Baich is a Boat Racing Festival held during the monsoon season when rivers and waterways are filled with water. The festival is most commonly celebrated in rural areas where boat races are organized as a competitive sport and an occasion for community bonding. It usually takes place after the monsoon, during the high-water period of rivers, and is particularly popular in the southern coastal regions. The races are filled with excitement, where teams of rowers race traditional wooden boats, and large crowds gather along the riverbanks to cheer on the participants. The festival not only celebrates the strength and skill of the rowers but also the significance of rivers and waterways in Bengali life.

These festivals celebrate the seasonal changes, agricultural life, and cultural traditions of Bangladesh, offering a window into the country’s deep-rooted customs and vibrant heritage.

Others 

Dhaka Art Summit:

The Dhaka Art Summit is a prestigious event held every two years, focusing on contemporary art from South Asia and beyond. It serves as an important platform for showcasing the works of regional and international artists, curators, and art enthusiasts. The summit includes art exhibitions, performances, panel discussions, and workshops. It aims to foster cultural exchange, promote new ideas, and contribute to the growth of the contemporary art scene in Bangladesh.

Hay Festival Dhaka:

The Hay Festival Dhaka is part of the global Hay Festival network, which brings together writers, poets, thinkers, and cultural leaders to discuss and share ideas. Held annually in Dhaka, this literary festival features talks, panel discussions, and book launches. It serves as an important event for those interested in literature, poetry, and intellectual discourse, offering a space for meaningful conversations and engagement with global authors and thinkers.

Dhaka Fashion Week:

Dhaka Fashion Week is an annual event that showcases the latest trends in fashion from local and international designers. It celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of the Bangladeshi fashion industry, providing a platform for designers to present their collections to both local and global audiences. The event is a significant part of the country’s growing fashion scene, attracting media attention and international buyers.

Dhaka International Film Festival:

The Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) is one of the leading film festivals in Bangladesh, attracting filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the world. The festival showcases a diverse range of films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. It offers a platform for filmmakers to present their work, engage with audiences, and exchange ideas. The festival promotes cultural understanding and artistic excellence while providing a space for discussion and collaboration in the film industry.

Chobi Mela International Photography Festival:

The Chobi Mela International Photography Festival is one of the most significant photography festivals in Asia. Held every two years in Dhaka, it brings together photographers from across the world to showcase their work and explore different aspects of visual storytelling. The festival features exhibitions, workshops, and panel discussions, focusing on the power of photography to communicate social, political, and cultural issues. It also aims to promote photography as a medium for artistic expression and documentary work.

CRACK International Art Camp:

The CRACK International Art Camp is a collaborative event that brings together artists from different parts of the world for a creative exchange. It’s held in Dhaka, where artists work together, share ideas, and create collaborative art projects. The camp encourages cross-cultural dialogue and fosters artistic collaboration, providing a platform for participants to explore new techniques, styles, and perspectives. The event contributes to the global art community by fostering international connections and promoting artistic development.

International Children’s Film Festival Bangladesh:

The International Children’s Film Festival Bangladesh is a unique event dedicated to showcasing films made for children. It features a curated selection of films from various countries, focusing on educational, entertaining, and thought-provoking content for young audiences. The festival aims to expose children to the world of cinema, promote creativity, and inspire young minds through storytelling. It also includes workshops, discussions, and interactive activities designed for children and families.

These events contribute to the vibrant cultural scene of Dhaka, enhancing the city’s position as a center of creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange in South Asia.