To celebrate the 416th anniversary of the city, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has announced a week-long festival called “Hridoye Dhaka” or “Dhaka in Our Hearts”. The Administrator of DSCC, Md Abdus Salam, announced this at a press conference at Nagar Bhaban.
The festival will be held from July 31 to August 7 in 2026, coinciding with Dhaka Day, which is celebrated on August 1 every year.
The Importance of Dhaka’s Anniversary
Salam says Dhaka emerged as a large urban centre in 1610 when it became the capital of the Subah of Bengal. He also said the creation of Dhaka Municipality on August 1, 1864, was the beginning of modern civic administration in the city, and that’s why Dhaka Day is celebrated on this day every year.
Salam said Hridoye Dhaka was more than a cultural celebration. It was a long-term initiative to revive the city’s history, heritage and civic consciousness while inspiring residents to participate in building a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable Dhaka.
Festival Program and Highlights
The festivities begin on July 31 with the Dhaka Heritage Cycle Rally and a traditional procession through the city. On the Dhaka Day itself, August 1, the city corporation will arrange the Dhaka Heritage Marathon, the inaugural formal ceremony of the festival and the launching of the “Clean City, Green City” campaign.
On August 2, there will be recreational and cultural programming, including a kite festival, a community gathering “Dhaka Adda”, qawwali performances, and other cultural shows. On August 3, residents can enjoy a traditional boat race on the Buriganga River, reviving one of the older river traditions in Dhaka.
The festival, which runs from August 1 to 7, will feature Dhaka-themed film screenings, stage plays, an art camp and a painting competition. Shoppers can participate in “The Great Dhaka Sale” and heritage lovers can join Heritage Cruise events to explore the historic waterways and landmarks of the city.
A Civic Push Across the City
But beyond the entertainment, the festival seems to be aimed at instilling civic pride and environmental consciousness in the residents of Dhaka, with the “Clean City, Green City” campaign being touted as a key theme alongside the cultural offerings.
FAQs
1. When is the Hridoye Dhaka Festival 2026?
The festival runs for one week, from 31 July to 7 August 2026.
2. What is celebrated at this festival?
The festival marks the 416th anniversary of Dhaka and celebrates Dhaka Day on August 1, which celebrates the founding of the city as the capital of the Subah of Bengal in 1610 and the creation of Dhaka Municipality in 1864.
3. Who is organising Dhaka Hridoye Festival?
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is organising the festival, and DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam made the announcement.
4. What events are there at the festival?
Major events are Dhaka Heritage Cycle Rally, The Dhaka Heritage Marathon, Kite Festival, “Dhaka Adda”, Qawwali, Traditional Boat Race on Buriganga River, Film Screening, Stage Drama, Art Camp, Painting Competition, The Great Dhaka Sale and Heritage Cruise.
5. What is the campaign “clean city, green city”?
It is an environmental programme launched at the first-ever ceremony of the festival on Dhaka Day to encourage public participation in keeping Dhaka clean and sustainable.
6. Where will the majority of events be held?
The programmes will be held at various places in Dhaka, with the main events at Nagar Bhaban, along the Buriganga River and at different cultural centres in the city.
Summary
To mark the 416th anniversary of Dhaka and Dhaka Day, Dhaka South City Corporation will hold a week-long festival titled “Hridoye Dhaka” from July 31 to August 7 featuring heritage rallies, marathons, kite festivals, boat races and cultural shows.
