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There is much to love about the place I live in now, Dhaka city. This is an ancient place and one that has the potential to live on for many more centuries. Though harsh at first glance and on the surface, there is no doubt of its appeal. If it were to be summed up in one word, that word would be ‘alive’. Everything here feels spontaneous and raw. Even the air has a tingling sensation, like it is always braced for the next occurrence. But what exactly are the things I speak of? Here are the reasons I love Dhaka.

Food

biryani
There are few loves like the love of biryani

Everybody loves a little food in their lives. And Dhaka is a haven of extraordinary cuisine. Yes, must try restaurants of every kind can be found on every corner of every street – local, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean, Western – you name it, it’s available. But what really stands out is the super mix of these cultures. Dhaka has food that you couldn’t imagine of combining. A lot of the food even seems alarming when you first hear or see it, but then you build up the courage to have it and you don’t regret it one bit. One of the more subtle, but definitely most popular, examples is of course ‘Bangla Chinese’, as it is so eloquently put. A Bengali touch to all sorts of Chinese food. If you live here, you’ve had it. It’s so prominent and good, even if you don’t like it you like it.

But moving aside from the heavy stuff; street food. The smells you smell as you are on your merry way to wherever it is you need to be are all so distracting. Phuchka, chotpoti, alu’r chop, puri, halim, chanachur, sheikh, chaap, biryani… it’s all so excruciatingly present. Sailors would be much less pained to sail away from the sound of sirens as we often are walking away from the sources of these scrumptious… everything. How could food not be one of the reasons I love Dhaka?

Events

Dhaka’s events are bright and lovely

People live here. The bustle of everyday life can be difficult on people, but when an event occurs, there’s no semblance of it. A public holiday, a major concert, a local fair, a small shop opening, are all cause for raised spirits and joyous vibes. Loud music and announcements draw you in and you’re greeted with representatives and tasty treats. The ceremony or celebration is great, but the environment is greater and you feel yourself get lost in the mood.

And I was only talking about the more ‘formal’ events. Let’s talk weddings! Even louder music! Faces smiling from ear to ear, women dressed to kill and men dressed to stun. Lights ablaze, the setting is that of grandeur adorned with the emotions of carefreeness. And again, there is the food. Food is definitely one of the reasons I love Dhaka.

Rickshaw Rides

Dhanmondi: A Place Where You Can Spend A Beautiful Day - Bproperty
This is how you relax in a busy city

Moving around such a busy city can be difficult at times, especially long distances, even some short. But when you sit on that rickshaw for the first time in a while, next to a friend, and the wind blowing in your face, you feel refreshed. You feel for a moment like you own the place. It may sound absurd, but it’s true. Next time you’re on a rickshaw stop being in a hurry or thinking about time and just breathe. Take in the surroundings and feel the height of your seat. You float and glide across the city. It’s a wonderful feeling. Especially at night. It’s a freeing sentiment.

History

Formal Emergence of Bengali Year Through Emperor Akbar - Bproperty
Culture and history live on in Dhaka

There are so many places to travel inside Dhaka. The first thought of is a city, bustling with modern commodities, but it is so rich in history, you would be surprised. Puran Dhaka, for example, still lives in a time well gone by. History still lives on in the city and it is a must see. But that is only one mention of it. Dhaka University is full of stories and history. Asad Gate is a place of great importance to us. Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, National Parliament House, Dhakashwari Temple, Sadarghat Port, and Kamalapur Railway Station are just a few places that have countless stories over countless years. There is so much more to look into that you would well lose track of time and meld with history.

Markets

Eastern Plaza
Eastern Plaza was once a name in everyone’s minds

How can we not love the markets here. Along with food, any imaginable item can be found somewhere in the city. From basic toothpicks to major golden artifacts, if you can think of it, it available. You just need to know where to look in the huge array of markets available. There are huge malls like Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park, smaller malls like Orchid Plaza and Metro Shopping Mall, famous hotspots like Eastern Plaza and Mascot Plaza, and then there are major veins like New Market and Elephant road. Each serves a different purpose and were meant for ‘different crowds’, but at the end of the day someone shopping for the latest gadget in Bashundhara City will end up in Chadni Chowk for the most exquisite apparel.

stray Animals

Strays are such a blessing

Stepping into the streets in Bangladesh is a treat for animal lovers. Stray dogs and cats are ‘problems’ that many wish to have! They are extraordinarily calm and well-adjusted with people in the surroundings. Many are taken on as honorary pets of the locals. Some can be timid, but most are cheerful of a quick morsel thrown their way or even a small pat on the head.  I love animals and animals are one of the reasons I love Dhaka and you might too. But be warned: you will fall in love and parting with them may be painful beyond reason.

People

People here are always bustling

And finally, people are one of the reasons I love Dhaka. One would think I would begin with them, considering you see more faces than anything else when you go outside, but it’s best to talk about the people here now. The people are what drive the country. And not in the economical sense that one would immediately assume I meant. The people are individuals of themselves, but together they are the collective spirit of the city. The energy they present as a whole is palpable. How else could they drive the city as it goes. And of course, it is their energy and ingenuity that creates the events we so love and the food that we can not imagine living without. The people of Dhaka city are why it is what it is – erratic, ecstatic and exquisite.

There are many reasons I love Dhaka that I would fail to put into words, but you truly must experience to understand. Many of you have, many of you will, and many of you should really try to get the experience. ‘The city that never sleeps’ is sentiment that is already taken, but Dhaka city could definitely threaten the title.

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