Pohela Falgun

"Pohela Falgun" means the first of the Falgun month, which marks the arrival of Spring ("Boshonto"). People all over the country welcome the season of flowers. Men and women traditionally wear yellow and orange. Poems, stage plays, dances and songs are being performed, with Dhaka University being the main area of the festivities.

Luckily I had this 13th of February off and my colleague advised me to go to university campus to enjoy this day in a sea of colours. I have never experienced "Pohela Falgun" in Bangladesh before so this was quite exciting to me, as I did not know what to expect.

Dhaka University was full of people - young and old, men and women. Yellow and orange were seen everywhere. People were roaming around, having snacks at the many street vendors, singing songs and just enjoying themselves.

I met up with a friend and ended up at Bangla Academy, where the Ekushey Book Fair (boi mela) takes place every year in memory of the language movement.
Luckily were able to see a live stage play there, which had incredible performances and shadow plays on the side stage.

It seemed that this year Bangladeshis might have had more of a reason to celebrate the arrival of spring, not only because the winter was cold, but it was also politically turbulent...

street vendors

eco-friendly

Hindu shrine

Gate of Bangla Academy

Shahpur Bazaar

Shahpur is still “Amar Shahpur“. I was fortunate enough, to spend the Eid Holidays in the most relaxing and peaceful environment with my aunts, uncles and my cousin brother Jarrar.

What fascinated me is that people pretty much lead their daily life according to sunrise and sunset on the countryside. They get up very early and once it is dark outside, they gather in their homes, watch TV, have dinner and go to bed early as well.

Somehow, I adapted to that schedule immediately. I got up before 7 a.m. and before breakfast I was off to visit the local bazaar. It was a lot of fun, taking a walk in the mornings and then sitting down at one spot of Shahpur bazaar and watching the people come and go; bringing items to sell or going back home with fresh milk, vegetables and fish. So after basically spotting people and the vivid market life, I went off to take a look around myself. This intrigued me to buy fresh vegetables, sweets, toys and drinks during a couple of morning visits. My bazaar spotting contained lots of conversations with local people, such as the development of the milk prices the previous few days. And from time to time, people came up to me, had a quick chat, because they knew who I was: the grandson of Hiron Doctor.

Milk prices went down to 70 Taka

I bought him candy. Trust me, he can smile!

Paan Wallah

Little fish

Tea/chai - very important in Bangladesh

Suit up at the "Tangail Saree House"

The "Tangail Saree House" at Bailey Road is pretty famous I was told. Well I don't know, since I don't wear any Sharees. And I really didn't have any intention to go there, I just went along for the ice cream afterwards (thanks mama).

A Sharee is a piece of cloth, really colorful with patterns. It comes in differents types of fabrics, colours and types of processing. With a length up to nine meters, the Sharee is wrapped around the hip and then draped over the shoulder. A matching blouse and pettycoat underneath complete the dress, which is typical for women in the South Asian region apart from the Shalwar Kameez. Let me give you some impressions, of how I don't walk around: