Cosmopolitan Dhakaites have grown a multifarious, globally influenced character that adds sophistication to the city. In whichever length and breadth of the city you venture to, you will always find yourself in some sort of chaotic adventure. Maybe a procession demanding a three-day weekend or a mob doing whatever nonsense they do, or there can be a festival happening right in the middle of the street -- food, crafts, clothes, and a friendly face.
Come winter, Dhaka's parks, alleys, and convention centres are full of fairs, weddings, reunions, picnics, tea parties, or annual events. This weekend is packed with sporty activities and cultural events.
Book launch
The Dhaka launch of the book, 'Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia' by Sam Dalrymple, sponsored by Securex, will be held on Friday, 7 November, at Shahabuddin Park's Amphitheatre during Dhaka Flow Fest.
The young filmmaker and historian narrates his collection of fascinating and intimate oral histories, and archival research he gathered for his documentary Project Dastaan.
Every time words like partitions, repatriation, refugee, and displaced community pop up in our conversation, we tend to recall the horrific memories of 1947, with the division of British India. However, the Raj, an imperial banner comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Yemen, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, witnessed five other partitions that tore it apart.
The book is termed as a must-read history book of the year. Dalrymple will be signing his book at BOOKWORM on November 8, from 11:00am.
Movement, meditation, creativity, and connection
Now, let's talk about the Flow Fest, a wellness organisation, where Dhaka celebrates the most vibrant wellness weekend from November 6 to 8, at Shahabuddin Park, Gulshan, presented by United Commercial Bank Ltd.
Thrive Walkathon, on 7 November, is an event of Thrive Global, a non-profit organisation supporting a child's nutrition and education program. There will also be a five-kilometre fun run on 8 November, powered by Skechers as well. This is unmistakably great for walkathon and marathon enthusiasts.
Besides, unleash your creativity through hands-on workshops in pottery, painting, photography, and mindful crafts, engage with inspiring speakers, live music performances, and panels on modern wellbeing and resilience. Your children will also get to enjoy the outdoors with an energetic playground, with storytelling sessions, drawing cartoons, making crafts, singing, and activities like yoga and gardening that will keep their energy channelled.
A vibrant atmosphere
The second season of Street Food Festival will treat you to an explosion of intense and varied flavours of our Deshi street snacks. The event aims to create a mood of a Deshi kind of joy through authentic tastes, smells, and the atmosphere of Dhaka streets. The experience will go beyond just the food. I am looking forward to a simply lively social setting with music and cultural performances.
Street Food Festival will be held at Baridahra DOHS Convention Center Field from November 10 to 13 from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
AnimeCon Dhaka-Yuki Matsuri 2025 is an anticipated event, taking place on November 14, at the International Convention Center Limited (ICCL), Dhaka. Inspired by Yuki Matsuri, Japan's iconic Snow Festival, this must-visit event will be Dhaka's very own winter wonderland of snow, lights, and culture, so mark your calendar accordingly.
There will be enthralling performances like Japanese dance, cosplay, J-pop, and live music, as well as activities like anime quizzes, art and meme contests, and fun winter games for all ages. Yes, there will also be foods like ramen, Takoyaki, and hot chocolate to sweeten the deal.
So, brace yourself, because Dhaka will give you an unforgettable community fun experience this weekend.
