Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is set to organise a grand Eid festival to spread joy among city residents, featuring Eid prayers, a celebratory procession, a fair, and cultural performances.
The festivities, including refreshments for attendees, will cost around Tk20 million.
The main Eid congregation will take place at the old trade fair grounds in Agargaon, beside the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
Following the prayers, a vibrant Eid procession will commence from the same location, proceeding along Agargaon’s main road, through the Khamarbari intersection, and concluding at the South Plaza of the National Parliament.
A brief cultural programme will be held at the final venue, where participants will be served traditional sweets and semai.
Two-Day Eid Fair
As part of the celebrations, DNCC will also organise a two-day Eid fair at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, running from 9am to 5pm on Eid day and the following day.
The fair will feature 100 stalls showcasing products from entrepreneurs and businesses.
There will also be a Ferris wheel and various games for children.
Eid Prayers at 8:30am
The Eid congregation will begin at 8:30am, led by Imam Qari Golam Mustafa, with Mufti Jubair Ahmad Al-Azhari from the Islamic Foundation serving as an alternate Imam.
A 46,000-square-foot prayer marquee has been set up, with additional carpeted space outside, accommodating around 50,000 worshippers.
A designated section will be reserved for female attendees.
Security measures include six entrance gates manned by police personnel, while ablution facilities for 150 people and drinking water stations will be available.
The event will be amplified through 12 pairs of sound systems and 100 microphones.
Parking will be available at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Planning Ministry, and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University.
Eid Procession and Cultural Show
The Eid procession will feature 150 musical bands, 1,000 placards promoting Eid messages, five decorated horses, 15 horse-drawn carriages, and 10 puppet shows depicting Mughal and Sultanate-era history.
The procession will culminate in a cultural event at the National Parliament’s South Plaza, where Baul singers and other performers will entertain the crowd.
Reviving Cultural Traditions
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated that the festival aims to revive Bengali Muslim cultural traditions such as Eid prayers, greetings, gift-giving, and communal celebrations.
“Dhaka is a multicultural city, but 90% of its population is Bengali Muslim. Many of their cultural traditions have faded. This festival seeks to restore and highlight them while ensuring religious harmony and inclusivity,” he said.
The entire Eid festival, including prayers, the fair, the procession, cultural performances, and refreshments, has been allocated Tk20 million, though the final expenditure may be adjusted.
