Nobanno Utshob brings Dhanmondi to life

The winter felt softer and warmer on a December afternoon as people walked toward the Rabindra Sarobar premises beside Dhanmondi Lake. The circular, stair-stage-like platform, which feels like a play about to begin, witnesses a white moon rising, followed by a yellow sun setting, and drums and an electric guitar's sound welcome the Nobanno Utshob.

The festival took place from 4 to 8 December, featuring food, fashion, crafts, and songs that embodied Bengali culture. The festival spread across the lake area, drawing visitors of all ages who came to enjoy the season's new harvest and the celebrations around it.

For many, the lake area is part of their daily routine. Elderly visitors who often spend the afternoon on nearby benches were surprised to see the lively crowd this week.

Abdur Rahim, a 68-year-old resident of Kalabagan, smiled as he watched the decorations. "I liked seeing so many people here today. It felt good to see youngsters enjoying something from our culture," he said. But the loudspeakers behind him kept blaring the sounds of microphone testing from the stage. "The only problem was the noise. I could not sit in my usual spot because the music was too loud," he added.

Another elderly visitor, Saleha Begum, also shared mixed feelings. "The festival made the lake area colourful. It reminded me of village fairs if I ignore the concert," she said. "But I came here to pad. Today, the sound was too much for me."

Families with children, however, seemed to find the festival full of excitement. Rides for children were set up in a corner of the ground, and the constant laughter and screams showed how freely the kids enjoyed themselves.

Parents stood around the rides, trying to keep up with their children's boundless energy. Farhana Islam, a mother of two, said, "My kids didn't want to leave. They kept running from one ride to another. We rarely get to enjoy something like this in the city."

Another parent, Imran Chowdhury, pointed at the small Ferris wheel where his daughter sat. "She insisted we come today. I am happy she is having fun as she has recovered from a cold. It feels good to spend time like this as a family," he said.

The festival offered more than just rides, especially for young couples. Couples walked hand in hand along the decorated paths. For many young people, the festival became an opportunity to take photographs, enjoy live music, and try traditional foods they had only heard about.

The folk performances added an unforgettable experience to the evening. Groups of friends sat on the stairs, chatting and taking videos for social media.

But the festive mood was tested when visitors stepped into the food stalls. Pitha was the main attraction at most counters, along with duck curry, kalai roti, pastries, and more.

The smell of steaming rice cakes drifted through the air, drawing long queues. Yet many people were disappointed after checking the food prices.

Raiyan Hasan, who had come with his friend, said, "The vibe is amazing. We loved taking pictures near the lake. But the food prices shocked us. The same pitha costs different amounts in the same stall. I felt cheated." Others shared his frustration.

"I paid 40 taka for a Narkel pitha (coconut-flavoured pitha), but the person after me got it for 60," said Sharmeen, a university student.

"When I asked why, the seller said I had asked the 'wrong person'. It did not make sense. We enjoyed the environment, but the food system felt messy."

Another visitor, Kawsar Ahmed, expressed similar disappointment. "We loved the music and the entire setting. But I expected better organisation. When the prices keep changing, it becomes frustrating. Festivals should make people feel included, not confused," he said.

Despite their complaints, he and his friends continued taking photos along the lake, enjoying the lights and songs from the stage.

The variety of stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, and small decorative items added more charm to the event. Many small entrepreneurs displayed handmade jewellery, winter shawls, clay items, and colourful bags.

The crowd lingered around these stalls, examining the textures and designs. For some, buying something from a stall felt like supporting local artisans. Others enjoyed browsing through the displays even if they did not purchase anything.

The celebration of Nobanno marks the season of new rice in the villages, so festivals aren't new to our country at that time. Though the city's festival lacks the farmland setting of rural Bangladesh, the effort to bring those memories into an urban space was apparent.

Stalls tried to recreate the taste of village pitha by calling Pitha houses from different corners of the country, but lacked the arrangements. Folk musicians brought the vibe of winter and rural Bengal in evenings under the open sky.

The crowd began to shift slowly toward the stage in the nights. Folk bands played songs that the audience could sing along with.

Some danced in small groups. People enjoyed the atmosphere while meeting old friends and spending time with them, while others were busy shopping.

The festival also showed how public spaces in Dhaka are becoming important for cultural gatherings. Not only that, but Dhaka is crowded. It is a fact we cannot deny that the city lacks recreational spaces, but we can utilise Dhaka's space as well; the Nobanno Utshob is proof.

People love open spaces where they can move freely, take photos, and enjoy fresh air. The lakeside setting added to their evening's charm. Even with the noise and the crowding, people seemed to have a chance to stay happy as it brought people together-elderly residents, young couples, families with children, students, friends, and tourists. It reminded everyone that cultural celebrations do not need to be grand to be meaningful. Sometimes an open space, a few stalls, and some music are enough to bring a community alive.

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