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The harvest festival of Bangladesh, which is also known as Nabanna Utsab is an important celebration for Bengalis. Based on the Bengali Calendar, the festival takes place in the month of Agrahayan. Nabanna Utsab marks the harvest of new crops, which holds great significance for farmers. Like other festivals, Nabanna Utsab is celebrated with great joy and pomp. From music to dance and traditional games, people perform various activities during the celebration. Not only that, but they also make a variety of sweets dishes like payesh, pithas, and sandesh. If you are eager to witness this cultural celebration, you must plan a trip to Bangladesh. It is guaranteed you will have a great time taking part in the celebration.
Location
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There’s no denying that the harvest festival of Bangladesh holds a great cultural and spiritual significance. Although Nabanna Utsab is celebrated all across the country, it offers a special experience in Dhaka. The celebration starts after the harvest when people engage in various activities to express their happiness, gratitude, and bonding. Rooted in the culture of Bangladesh, Nabanna Utsab is celebrated by people both in villages and cities.
How To Reach
Photo: Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: As a megacity, Dhaka has an extensive network of highways, which are connected to other major cities like Sylhet, Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi. All you have to do is board a bus from any of these cities and enjoy a comfortable ride to your destination. As far as the travel time is concerned, it takes around 2-12 hours to reach Dhaka based on your location.
By Train: As one of the major railway hubs in Bangladesh, Dhaka has an excellent railway network. To make things more convenient, Bangladesh Railway offers several intercity trains like Subarna Express, Padma Express, and Parabat Express. By boarding any of these trains, you can reach Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka in just 4-14 hours.
By Air: There are several airlines in the country, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novoair. You can choose any of these airlines based on your preference and reach Dhaka in only 1-1.5 hours. Just so you know, domestic flights in Dhaka are received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Places To Reach Around Harvest Festival Of Bangladesh
1. Lalbagh Fort
Photo: Abdullah AL IMRAN / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This is one of the main tourist attractions near the harvest festival of Bangladesh that you shouldn’t miss. Built-in the 17th century, this fort holds great significance to the people of the country. As per reports, the fort was started by Prince Mohammed Azam, who gave the responsibility to Shaista Khan. However, he couldn’t complete the fort because of his daughter’s death, whose tomb lies inside the building. There’s also an art gallery inside the fort, where you can see various artworks and calligraphy of the Mughal era.
Distance From Airport: 18.9 km
2. Dhakeshwari Temple
Photo: Ruhan / Wikimedia Commons
Established in the 12th century, Dhakeshwari Temple is an important religious site for Hindus. Over the years, the temple has been changed and renovated several times, especially during the reign of Mansingh and Ballal Sen. Unlike other temples, Dhakeshwari Temple doesn’t have extraordinary architecture. Instead, it features a simple, elegant design and includes a few Bangladesh elements. Besides worshipping the goddess of Dhaka, you can explore the large courtyard outside the temple. There you will find four small temples, which belong to Lord Shiva.
Distance From Airport: 18.6 km
3. Liberation War Museum
Photo: Mohammad Fazla Rabbe / Wikimedia Commons
If you are interested to learn about the country’s struggle for independence in 1971, you should visit the Liberation War Museum. Constructed in 1996, the museum is home to numerous documents, photographs, and personal items of martyrs. For those who don’t know, the museum also serves as a research centre. During your visit, you can check out the various galleries and sections to delve deeper into the war history. You can also join the cultural events that take place in the museum.
Distance From Airport: 15.2 km
4. Ahsan Manzil
Photo: Ehsanul Siddiq Aranya / Wikimedia Commons
Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, is situated on the banks of the Buriganga River. As per records, the building was built between 1859 and 1872 by Nawab Abdul Ghani. Back then, Ahsan Manzil was the residence of the Nawab Family. But now, it has been turned into a tourist attraction. Here you can witness the stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture and explore the numerous rooms. Other than that, you have the lush green lawns, which are perfect for photography.
Distance From Airport: 19.6 km
Where To Stay
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To enjoy the harvest festival without hassles, you need a comfortable place to stay. There are plenty of hotels, and guest houses around the place, so you can book a room based on your budget and preference. If you are looking for luxury accommodation, you should choose hotels like The Westin Dhaka or Radisson Blu as they offer top-notch amenities to guests. However, if you have a limited budget, you can opt for boutique hotels and guesthouses that offer rooms and amenities at affordable rates.
Where To Eat
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During Nabanna Utsab, you can try a wide variety of food in Bangladesh. From fish and sweets to rice and bhortas, there are plenty of dishes to satisfy your taste buds. If you visit Dhaka, you will get the opportunity to try out some of the top restaurants like Grandiose Restaurant, Farzi Café Dhaka, Café Eden, and others. Since you are visiting the city during the harvest festival, you must try pitha, pithe-puli, pati-sapta, payesh, and jilipi. Besides that, you can try authentic items like Kacchi Biryani, Shutki, and Ilish Mach Bhuna.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Ariful Haque / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit the harvest festival of Bangladesh is between November and December. Before you start planning your trip, make sure to check the dates. Besides indulging in the festival, you will need at least 3-4 days to explore the place.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of travelling to Bangladesh will vary based on your location. In case you are travelling within the country, it is likely to cost between 2000-3200 BDT. But if you are an international tourist, you may have to spend 8000-1000 BDT for a 3-4 day trip. It is better to sort your budget before you start travelling so that you get a rough idea about the expenditure involved.
Tips For Travellers
- You should check and confirm the festival dates before planning your trip.
- It is essential to book a hotel room in advance so that you don’t have to struggle at the last moment.
- You should be respectful towards the locals and respect their culture and traditions.
- During the festival, you should wear modest clothing. It would be even better if you chose new clothes.
- You can learn more about the festival by interacting with the locals.
The harvest festival of Bangladesh is a one-of-a-kind celebration that is worth experiencing. Whether you are a Bengali or not, you can participate in the celebration. So, if you have the will and enthusiasm to witness Nabanna Utsab, you should take a trip to Dhaka. Plan a trip with TripXL for a smooth experience.
Cover Photo: Michal Janek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
