The Hindu community in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, celebrated the festival of colours, Holi (Dol Jatra), on March 3, 2026, with traditional fervor, music and vibrant colours.
#देखें_वीडियो | बांग्लादेश: ढाका में हिंदू समुदाय रंगों की रंगीन झलक के साथ होली मना रहे
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated every year on the full moon day of Phalguna. In 2026, Holi will be celebrated on March 4. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, love, brotherhood, and happiness. Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India, but did you know that this festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in our neighboring country, Bangladesh? Holi is known by different names there, such as Dol Purnima, Dol Yatra, or Basant Utsav. So let’s learn how Holi is celebrated in Bangladesh and what are the rules associated with this festival. What is the significance of Holi in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, but the Hindu community also lives in large numbers. Secularism is emphasized in the Constitution, so festivals of different religions are seen as cultural diversity. For this reason, the festival of Holi is also celebrated with open arms here. In Bangladesh, Holi is specifically called Dol Purnima or Dol Yatra. This day is celebrated as a festival of colors and worship of Lord Radha and Krishna. In many places, it is also called Basant Utsav, as it symbolizes the arrival of spring.
The Special Enthusiasm of Holi in Dhaka
The excitement of Holi in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is palpable. Students, especially on the Dhaka University campus, celebrate the festival with colors. Cultural programs, songs, music, and dance are organized. Special pujas and kirtans are held at ISKCON Dhaka and Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka. Devotees place idols of Radha and Krishna on swings, sing hymns, and offer gulal (coloured powder). Holika Dahan is also performed here with due rituals.
How is Holi celebrated in Bangladesh?
The way Holi is celebrated in Bangladesh is largely similar to India, but certain aspects are taken into special consideration. Here, prayers and kirtans are held in temples in the morning. Holika Dahan is performed after sunset on the evening of Falgun Purnima, observing the auspicious time. The next day, people play Holi with abir-gulal (coloured powder) and dry colours. It is essential to maintain decency and law-abiding in public places. Dance, music, and traditional events are organized in many places.
What are the rules regarding the festival of colours here?
In Bangladesh, certain rules are followed to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours. It is not a mandatory public holiday but an optional holiday. Permission is required from the local administration for temples and large events. Especially in cities like Dhaka, it is important to maintain decency in public places. Forcibly throwing colours on someone, creating a ruckus, or disturbing law and order is considered wrong. Police and administration provide security in cities including the capital, Dhaka, and other cities, especially around university campuses and temples.
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