During the holy month of Ramadan, Old Dhaka’s narrow streets come alive with the unique and historic tradition of Qasidas singing. For hundreds of years, groups of singers have walked through neighbourhoods before dawn, singing devotional songs to wake people up for sehri, the meal before the fast begins.
This cultural practice is very much a part of Dhaka’s Islamic history and shows how the city has always celebrated Ramadan in a spiritual and community way.
The Beginning of Qasidas in Old Dhaka
People have been singing Qasidas in Old Dhaka for hundreds of years, maybe since the Mughal era, when Dhaka was an important cultural and administrative centre in the area.
In Islamic cultures, “Qasida” is a type of poetry or devotional song that is often used to praise God, the Prophet Muhammad, or spiritual ideas. As time went on, these poems became part of Ramadan traditions in many Muslim communities.
In Old Dhaka, local singers turned the practice into a neighbourhood tradition. These singers would walk through the streets and sing rhythmic and melodic qasidas to wake people up for sehri before there were modern alarm clocks and digital devices.
How the Tradition Works
Qasida groups walk through the streets of Old Dhaka for several hours before dawn during the nights of Ramadan. The singers usually sing in small groups and use simple instruments like drums or tambourines to go along with the recitations.
Some of the things they sing about are:
- Praise for Allah and the Prophet Muhammad
- Spiritual reminders of how important it is to fast
- Messages telling people to get up for sehri
People who live nearby know these songs mean it’s almost time for the pre-dawn meal.
Cultural Significance of Ramadan
The qasidas singing tradition means more than just waking up for a lot of families in Old Dhaka. It is a beloved part of Ramadan culture that brings people together.
The sound of devotional songs playing in the streets makes everyone feel spiritually connected. Older residents often say that the tradition was one of the best parts of Ramadan in the historic neighbourhood.
In some places, local groups also hold friendly competitions between qasida groups to celebrate creativity in lyrics, melody, and performance.
A Tradition That Is Facing New Problems
Even though qasidas singing in Old Dhaka during Ramadan is an important part of the culture, it has slowly gone down over the last few decades. Wake-up singers are less useful now that we have smartphones and alarm clocks.
Changing lifestyles and urban development have also made it harder for traditional performers to keep doing their art on a regular basis.
But cultural groups and people who live in the area are working to keep this heritage alive. In the past few years, special events and community projects have been set up to keep the qasida singing tradition alive during Ramadan.
Keeping the Tradition Going
Many people in Old Dhaka today think that qasidas are an important part of the city’s intangible cultural heritage. The practice may not be as common as it used to be, but it still happens in some neighbourhoods during Ramadan.
Hearing qasidas before dawn is still a powerful reminder of Dhaka’s rich cultural history and the spiritual traditions that shape Ramadan celebrations for both visitors and residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Qasidas during Ramadan?
People often sing or read qasidas to praise God or the Prophet Muhammad. In Old Dhaka, they sing them during Ramadan to wake people up for sehri.
2. What makes people in Old Dhaka sing Qasidas?
The custom started as a way to wake people up for the sehri meal before the fasting day starts.
3. When did the Qasidas tradition begin in Old Dhaka?
Historians think that the tradition of singing qasidas goes back to the Mughal era, when Dhaka was an important cultural centre.
4. Do people still sing Qasidas in Old Dhaka?
Yes, but the tradition isn’t as strong as it used to be. Some neighbourhoods and cultural groups still do qasida performances during Ramadan.
5. What makes the Qasidas tradition so important?
The tradition shows how Islamic culture has shaped Old Dhaka and brings people together during Ramadan.
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