Nestled between Autumn and Winter lies the unique Late Autumn season. It is a transition season when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold; it’s just right. The season is a gift from nature that it seems like only Bangladesh gets to enjoy. It is also a time of great joy for the people of the country as this is when the harvest is brought in from the fields. Farmers throughout the country dance, sing, and celebrate the coming of nature’s bounty in the form of Nabanna Utsab. Late Autumn in Dhaka is something to behold. While city life may limit us from fully immersing ourselves in the celebration of the Late Autumn season, it doesn’t mean we can’t observe the season our own way.Today we’ll take a look at how you can participate in the festivities and celebrate Late Autumn if you live in Dhaka.
Festival of Food
There is no better way to celebrate Late Autumn in Dhaka than to prepare to eat a variety of foods. A true festival of Bengali food takes place during the season. In rural areas, people take a portion of their harvest to cook delicious meals and celebrate with friends and families. However, that doesn’t mean people in the city can’t enjoy Late Autumn delicacies. Folks in Dhaka also partake in Late Autumn festivity by cooking pithas and foods. Chitoi pitha, Chaler pitha, Narikeler pitha, Teler pitha, and Patishapta are very popular across all ages of people. You can also get your hands on various kinds of cakes and sweets during the tail-end of Late Autumn. It is a joyous season for anyone with a taste for traditional cuisine.
Cultural Programs
Similar to the festival of food, quite a few cultural programs takes place in the cities to celebrate Late Autumn. Cultural activists and centers take the opportunity to organize various programs to commemorate Nabanna Utsab. Colorful rallies with people in traditional garb march on the streets to honor the hard work of the farmers and demonstrate the joy of a new harvest. ‘Art Camps’ are set up that display beautiful illustrations and photos of the countryside and our cultural roots. Dhanmondi Lake Park, one of the most famous parks in Dhaka, is a common ground for such cultural programs. Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Department also hosts annual programs to celebrate Late Autumn in Dhaka. By partaking in such festivities you not just celebrate the season, but also learn about the people’s effort to attain good harvest.
Places to Visit
From north to south, there are a lot of places to visit around Dhaka. In fact, if you have an apartment in Mirpur, you can visit any of the numerous recreational places in Mirpur. However, if the weather is too chilly or warm or if it’s raining, going out can be a bother. The Late Autumn season is usually free from such unfavorable weather. Clear skies and a cool breeze are almost always present; creating the perfect conditions for an outing. People can utilize this golden opportunity and celebrate Late Autumn in Dhaka by taking some short trips over the weekends. Numerous flowers bloom and come to life during this season including jasmine, water lily, marigold, and magnolia. It is a great time to bask in the glory of nature.
Late Night Hangouts
Late Autumn is referred to as the season of dew. The nights of the Late Autumn hint of the arrival of winter as dew begins to gather on leaves. The relatively long and cool nights see the city come alive. Programs and hangouts go on well into the night. Social gatherings such as barbecue parties are common during the latter half of the season. People can arrange get-togethers and enjoy each other’s company without having to worry about hot and humid nights. This particular benefit makes Late Autumn in Dhaka an eagerly awaited season among younger people.
Nabanna Mela
Nabanna Mela embodies the true essence of Nabanna Utsab and the joy of bringing home a new harvest. It is one of the biggest festivals throughout rural Bangladesh. Singing and dancing accompany roaring drums, horns, and various kinds of music. Nabanna Melas in Dhaka, however, are quite different. There are several places in Dhaka that host Nabanna Mela, but they are a culmination of cultural programs, dancing, and great food. The organizers sometimes sell clothes, drapes, and other home accessory items to attract visitors. People celebrate Late Autumn in the city by going to Nabanna Utsab in evenings and on weekends.
The Late Autumn season is a time of great joy and transition; joy for the harvest, transition for the winter. And no matter where you live, it is time to honor the struggle of the people and savor the wonderful days of the season.
How do you celebrate Late Autumn in Dhaka? Don’t forget to let us know in the comments section below.
