Culture of Bangladesh

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The culture of Bangladesh has a unique history, dating back more than 2500 years ago. The
land, the rivers and the lives of the common people formed a rich heritage with marked
differences from neighboring regions. It has evolved over the centuries, and encompasses the
cultural diversity of several social groups of Bangladesh.

The culture of Bangladesh is composite, and over centuries has assimilated influences of
Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Islam. It is manifested in various forms, including music,
dance and drama; art and craft; folklores and folktales; languages and literature, philosophy and
religion, festivals and celebrations, as also in a distinct cuisine and culinary tradition.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Music, dance and drama

• 2 Arts and Crafts of Bangladesh
o 2.1 Fine Arts of Bangladesh
o 2.2 Handicrafts of Bangladesh
• 3 Festivals and celebrations
o 3.1 Eid ul-Fitr
o 3.2 Eid ul-Adha
o 3.3 Pohela Baishakh
o 3.4 Language Movement Day
o 3.5 Weddings
• 4 Sports
• 5 Religion in Bangladesh
• 6 Life-style in Bangladesh
o 6.1 Cuisine
o 6.2 Dress
 • 7 References

[edit] Music, dance and drama

Main article: Music of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi artists performing in a dance show

Music and dance style of Bangladesh may be divided into three categories, namely, the classical,
folk and the modern. The classical style has been influenced by other prevalent classical forms of
music and dances of the Indian subcontinent, and accordingly show some influences dance forms
like Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi. The folk and tribal music and dance forms of Bangladesh
are of indigenous origin and rooted to the soil of Bangladesh. Several dancing styles in vogue in
the north-eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, like Monipuri and Santal dances, are also
practiced in Bangladesh, but Bangladesh has developed its own distinct dancing styles.

Bangladesh has a rich tradition of folk songs, with lyrics rooted into vibrant tradition and
spirituality, mysticism and devotion. Such folk songs also revolve round several other themes,
including love themes.

Most prevalent of folk songs and music traditions include Bhatiali, Baul, Marfati, Murshidi and
Bhawaiya. Lyricists like Lalon Shah, Hason Raja, Kangal Harinath, Romesh Shill, Abbas Uddin
and many unknown anonymous lyrists have enriched the tradition of folk songs of Bangladesh.

In relatively modern context, Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul geeti form precious cultural heritage
of Bangladesh. In recent time, western influences have given rise to several quality rock bands,
particularly in urban centers like Dhaka.

Several musical instruments, some of them of indigenous origin, are used in Bangladesh, and
major musical instruments used are bamboo flute (banshi), drums (dole), a single stringed
instrument named ektara, a four stringed instrument called dotara, a pair of metal bawls used for
rhythm effect called mandira. Currently, several musical instruments of western origin like
guitar, drums, and saxophone are also used, sometimes alongside the traditional instruments.
Drama remains popular in Bangladesh, including performances of plays by local playwrights, as
well as adaptations from writers of Western origin. Jatra, that is, folk drama, is also a part of
culture of Bangladesh. In Jatras, legendary plays of heroism, mythological stories, folktales of
love and tragedy, and similar countless themes are enacted in open air theatre, and continue to be
a popular form of entertainment, in spite of modern influences.

[edit] Arts and Crafts of Bangladesh

[edit] Fine Arts of Bangladesh

Several artists originated from Bangladesh have gained world-wide familiarity for their artistic
contributions. The works of painters like Zainul Abedin, SM Sultan, Quamrul Hassan,
Shahabuddin Ahmed, Ronobi and Hashem Khan symbolizes the culture of the country.

[edit] Handicrafts of Bangladesh

Nakshi Kantha (embroidered quilt) is said to be indigenous to Bangladesh

Handicrafts and cottage industries play a vital role in sustaining the cultural heritage of
Bangladesh. The prominent handicrafts in the early and middle ages were textiles, metal works,
jewelry, wood works, cane and bamboo works, and clay and pottery. Later, jute and leather
became the major raw materials for handicrafts. The most predominant features of Bangladeshi
handicrafts are the extensive use of individual skill and the interesting design motifs[1].

Nakshi Kantha (embroidered quilt), a very popular form of handicraft, is said to be indigenous to
Bangladesh[2]. The rural women of the country put together pieces of old cloth with crafty stiches
to prepare these quilts to be used in the winter. Although kanthas (quilts) are utilitarian objects,
the vivid patterns, borders and motifs often turn them into attractive works of art. In recent years
the interest in ethnic arts and crafts has encouraged a kantha revival in the country. Many people
now use these quilts for decorative purposes only.
Several, Bangladeshi organizations like Aarong and Probortona export handicrafts from
Bangladesh to all over the world. These organizations have played an important role in
preserving the handicrafts of Bangladesh and increasing their popularity at home and abroad.

[edit] Festivals and celebrations

Festivals and celebrations are integral part of the culture of Bangladesh. Prominent and widely
celebrated festivals are Pohela Baishakh, Independence day, National Mourning Day, Eid-ul-Fitr,
Eid-ul-Azha, Muharram, Durga puja, and Language Movement Day.

[edit] Eid ul-Fitr

Main article: Eid ul-Fitr

As the most important religious festival for the majority Muslims, the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr
has become a part of the culture of Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh declares holiday
for three days on Eid-ul Fitar. People living in towns having their families or parents in villages
go to their country homes to meet relatives and celebrate the festival together. All outgoing
public transport from the major cities become highly crowded and in many cases the fares tend to
rise in spite of government restrictions.

Adult Muslim males in Bangladesh assemble at the Eid Ghah for prayer in the morning of the
Eid day

On Eid day, Eid prayers are held all over the country, in open areas like fields or else inside
mosques. In Dhaka, the largest Eid prayer is held at the national Eidgah. All major mosques
including the Baitul Mukarram also holds prayers. The biggest congregation of Bangladesh is
held at Sholakia in Kishoreganj, where about half a million people join the Eid prayer.[3] After the
Eid prayers people return home, visit each other's home and eat sweet dishes called shirni.
Throughout the day gentlemen embrace each other. It is also customary for junior members of
the society to touch the feet of the seniors, and seniors returning blessings (sometimes with a
small sum of money as a gift).
In the rural areas Eid festival is observed with great fanfare. In some areas Eid fares are
arranged. Different types of games including boat race, kabbadi, other traditional Bangladeshi
games as well as modern games like football and cricket are played on this occasion.

In urban areas people play music, visit each other's houses and eat special food. Watching movies
and television programs has also become an integral part of Eid celebration in urban areas. All
local TV channels air special program for several days for this occasion.

[edit] Eid ul-Adha

Main article: Eid ul-Adha

The celebration of Eid ul-Adha is similar to Eid ul-Fitar in many ways. The only big difference is
the Qurbani or sacrifice of domestic animals on Eid ul-Adha. Numerous temporary marketplaces
of different sizes called Haat operate in the big cities for sale of Qurbani animals (usually cows
and goats).

In the morning on the Eid day, immediately after the prayer, capable people arrange to slaughter
their animal of choice. Less affluent people also take part in the festivity by visiting houses of the
affluent who are taking part in qurbani. After the qurbani a large portion of the meat is given to
the poor people.

Although the religious doctrine allows the sacrifice anytime over a period of three days starting
from the Eid day, most people prefer to perform the ritual on the very Eid day. However, the
public holiday spans over three to four days. Many people from the big cities go to their ancestral
houses in the villages to share the joy of the festival with friends and relatives.

[edit] Pohela Baishakh

Main article: Pohela Baishakh

Pohela Baishakh celebration in Dhaka

Pôhela Boishakh is the first day of the Bangla Calendar. Pohela Boishakh marked the start day of
the crop season. Usually on Pôhela Boishakh, the home is thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned;
people bathe early in the morning and dress in fine clothes. They spend much of the day visiting
relatives, friends, and neighbours and going to fair. Fairs are arranged in many parts of the
country. Various agricultural products, traditional handicrafts, toys, cosmetics, as well as various
kinds of food and sweets are sold at these fairs. The fairs also provide entertainment, with
singers, dancers and traditional plays and songs. Horseraces, bullraces, bullfights, cockfights,
flying pigeons, boat racing were once popular.

The most colourful new year's day festival takes place in Dhaka. Large numbers of people gather
early in the morning under the banyan tree at Ramna Park where Chhayanat artists open the day
with Rabindranath Tagore's famous song, Esho, he Boishakh, Esho Esho (Come, Year, Come,
Come). A similar ceremony welcoming the new year is also held at the Institute of Fine Arts,
University of Dhaka. Students and teachers of the institute take out a colourful procession and
parade round the campus. Social and cultural organisations celebrate the day with cultural
programmes. Newspapers bring out special supplements. There are also special programmes on
radio and television.

[edit] Language Movement Day

Main article: Language Movement Day

Shaheed Minar, or the Martyr's monument, located near the Dhaka Medical College and
Hospital.

Language Movement Day is a unique part of the culture of Bangladesh. Every year on February
21 this day is observed to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to establish
Bengali as the official language of then East Pakistan in 1952. The mood of the day is sad and
humble.

The celebration of Language movement day goes on the entire month of February. Ekushey
Book Fair is a book fair arranged to mark this occasion every year. The fair has also become an
integral part of the culture of Bangladesh. Authors and readers in Bangladesh eagerly await the
fair each year.
To commemorate this movement, Shaheed Minar, a solemn and symbolic sculpture, was erected
in the place of the massacre. Today the Shaheed Minar is the centre of cultural activities in
Dhaka. On the morning of February 21 each year, people from all walks of life including the
national leaders pay tribute to the martyrs by leaving flowers at Shaheed Minar. A very
melodious and melancholy song, Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano, written by Abdul Gaffar
Choudhury and composed by Altaf Mahmud, is played repeatedly in electronic media and
cultural gatherings throughout the month, and especially on February 21. This song, too, has
become a symbolic mark of culture of Bangladesh.

[edit] Weddings

Main article: Bengali marriage

A traditional wedding is arranged by Ghotok's (matchmakers), who are typically friends or

relatives of the couple. The matchmakers facilitate the introduction, and also help agree the
amount of any settlement.

Bengali weddings are traditionally in four parts: the bride's Gaye Holud, the groom's Gaye
Holud, the Beeya and the Bou Bhaat. These often take place on separate days. The first event in a
wedding is an informal one: the groom presents the bride with a ring marking the "engagement"
which is getting popularity.

Bride's friends and family apply turmeric paste to her body as a part of Gaye Holud ceremony.

For the bride's Gaye Holud, the groom's family - except the groom himself - go in procession to
the bride's home. The procession traditionally centers on the (younger) female relative and
friends of bride, and they are traditionally all in matching clothes, mostly orange in colour. The
bride is seated on a dais, and the henna is used to decorate the bride's hands and feet with
elaborate abstract designs. The sweets are then fed to the bride by all involved, piece by piece.
Bride and groom in a Bengali wedding ceremony

The actual wedding ceremony "Beeya" follows the Gaye Holud ceremonies. The wedding
ceremony is arranged by the bride's family. On the day, the younger members of the bride's
family barricade the entrance to the venue, and demands sort of admission charge from the
groom in return for allowing him to enter. The bride and groom are seated separately, and a Kazi
(authorized person by the govt. to perform the wedding), accompanied by the parents and a
Wakil (witness) from each side formally asks the bride for her consent to the union, and then the
groom for his. Bride side of the family tries to play some kind of practical joke on the groom
such as stealing the groom's shoe.

The reception, also known as Bou-Bhaat (reception), is a party given by the groom's family in
return for the wedding party. It is typically a much more relaxed affair, with only the second-best
wedding outfit being worn.

[edit] Sports
Main article: Sport in Bangladesh

Most popular sports in Bangladesh are football (soccer), cricket and kabaddi. Kabaddi is the
national sport of Bangladesh. Cricket is a game which has a massive and passionate following in
Bangladesh. Bangladesh has now joined the elite group of countries eligible to play Test cricket.
The Bangladesh national cricket team goes by the nick-name of the Tigers—after the Royal
Bengal Tiger.

The people of Bangladesh enjoy watching live sports. Whenever there is a cricket or football
match between popular local teams or international teams in any local stadium significant
number of spectators gather to watch the match live. The people also celebrate major vistories of
the national team with a great enthusiasm for the live game. Victory processions are the most
common element in such celebrations.

Ex Prime Minister even made an appearance after an international test cricket match in which
Bangladesh beat Australia, she came to congratulate the victory.
Also in late 2006/early 2007, football legend Zinedine Zidane paid a visit to local teams and
various events thanks to the invite of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

[edit] Religion in Bangladesh

Main article: Religion in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is ethnically homogeneous, with Bengalis comprising 98% of the population. The
majority of Bangladeshis (about 88%) are Muslims, and a small number of Hindus, Buddhists
and Christians are also in the country.

People of different religions perform there religious rituals with festivity in Bangladesh. The
Government has declared National Holidays on all important religious festivals of the four major
religion. Durga Puja, Buddha Purnima and Christmas are celebrated with enthusiasm in
Bangladesh. All of these form an integral part of the cultural heritage of Bangladesh.

See also

• Islam in Bangladesh
• Hinduism in Bangladesh
• Buddhism in Bangladesh

[edit] Life-style in Bangladesh

A Bangladeshi woman wearing sari is preparing food in traditional way.

[edit] Cuisine

Main article: Bengali cuisine

Bangladesh is famous for its distinctive culinary tradition, and delicious food, snacks and
savories. Boiled rice constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well as curries, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of beef, mutton and chicken.

Sweetmeats of Bangladesh are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including
Roshgulla, Sandesh, Rasamalai, Gulap Jamun, Kalo Jamun, Chom Chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available.

Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the use of many specialized spices and flavours.

Fish is the dominant source of protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water
rivers of the Ganges delta. More than forty types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi (prawn or shrimp), as well
as shuţki (dried sea fish). Salt water fish (not sea fish though) Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular
among Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.

[edit] Dress

Portion of a sari woven at Sonargaon

Bangladeshi people have unique dress preferences. Bangladeshi men wear panjabi on religious
and cultural occasions, lungi as casual wear and shirt-pant on formal occasions. Sari is the main
dress of Bangladeshi women. Sari weaving is a traditional art in Bangladesh. Salwar kameez is
also very popular especially among the younger ladies. Western dresses of women are becoming
increasingly popular in the cities.

[edit] References
1. ^ Banglapedia Article on Handicraft
2. ^ Banglapedia Article on Nakshi Kantha
3. ^ [1] Banglapedia article on Eid-ul Fitar
Power of Culture : Bangladeshi Spirit Culuture and Development : UnnayanNews