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A great diversity of festivals in Bangladesh displays traditional expressions of age-old cultural legacies. You can find a chance to witness active celebrations that unite musical events with artistic showcases, traditional dance performances, and delicious foods at festivals in Bangladesh. These festivals enable people of different backgrounds to immerse themselves in Bangladesh’s various cultural practices because they welcome visitors of all types. The celebration attracts international visitors who come together as a perfect moment to connect with different people and create permanent lifetime memories.
10 Festivals In Bangladesh
List of festivals in Bangladesh to experience the heart and soul of the country and immerse yourself in the rich traditions and culture.
1. Eid-ul-Fitr
Photo: Jubersahel / Wikimedia Commons
Eid-ul-Fitr is recognised as the most significant religious and cultural celebration in Bangladesh. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The festival begins with a special congregational prayer in open fields and mosques. People wear new clothes, greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” and visit loved ones. Children receive money or gifts from elders. Streets and bazaars are decorated with lights, and the atmosphere is joyful. It’s a day of forgiveness, sharing, and community bonding, making it one of the most popular festivals.
Timings: Based On The Islamic Lunar Calendar (Shawwal 1).
Famous Dishes: Shemai, Biryani, and Halwa
2. Eid al-Adha
Photo: Wasiul Bahar / Wikimedia Commons
Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated with excitement across Bangladesh, also known as the “festival of sacrifice,”. People sacrifice animals to their god, followed by the cultural Eid prayer, during their religious ritual. After the sacrifice process finishes, the food is distributed to family members and neighbours. This method of acquiring and caring for sacrificial animals begins before the days start. People wear elegant outfits and prepare special meals for celebrations. The festival represents three core values: unity, charity and faith. Among all religious holidays, Eid al-Adha is the most popular festival in Bangladesh.
Timings: Based on the Islamic lunar calendar (Dhul Hijjah 10)
3. Durga Puja
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
Durga Pooja is the biggest Hindu festival in Bangladesh, bringing great joy to the Bengali Hindu community. During this festival, people commemorate how Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura to bring victory for good over evil. The festival includes performances and idol installations, and decorated pandals in towns and villages. The religious practice includes mantra recitation, traditional dance, and prayer rituals. Public ceremonies with vibrant processions happen on the final day as the idols are submerged in rivers. People use electric lights and candles to light temples and homes. They share traditional sweets, including laddus and Sandesh.
Timings: September – October / Based on the Hindu lunar calendar (Ashwin)
4. Krishna Janmashtami
Photo: Muhammad Amdad Hossain / Wikimedia Commons
The Hindu community in Bangladesh celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with enormous enthusiasm to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Temples are decorated with flowers and lights, especially the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka. Worshippers perform Ras Leela, recite Bhagavad Gita passages, and practice fasting rituals. The celebrations include musical parades with children performing as Radha and Krishna. The festival unites citizens through spiritual and joyful celebrations. You can witness traditional cultural practices during this period while celebrating faith through joyous festivities.
Timings: August – September / Based on the Hindu lunar calendar (Bhadra)
5. Christmas (Boro Din)
Photo: Ifteebd10 / Wikimedia Commons
The Christian community in Bangladesh joyfully celebrates Christmas, which is known locally as Boro Din (The Big Day). Churches celebrate candlelight services, midnight masses, and carol singing. Family members give each other presents while preparing traditional dishes in homes decorated with Christmas trees and lights. Special cakes and sweets become symbols of community bonds. Local church facilities organise games and plays during this time. Christian communities decorate their streets during this period. Christmas has evolved into a popular urban festival that celebrates different cultures.
Timings: December 25
6. Pohela Boishakh
Photo: Anik Sarker / Wikimedia Commons
Pohela Boishakh marks the Bengali New Year and a vibrant cultural festival in Bangladesh. It unites people from all walks of life in a spirit of hope and solidarity on the first day of the Bengali calendar. The vibrant “Mangal Shobhajatra” procession, led by Dhaka University students, kicks off the festivities in Dhaka. People attend cultural events, poetry readings, and music performances, wear traditional red and white clothing, and eat panta-ilish (fermented rice with hilsa fish). Artisans and merchants sell toys, candies, and handicrafts at the New Year’s fairs.
Timings: April 14
7. Buddha Purnima
Photo: MuhammadAmdadHossain / Wikimedia Commons
Buddha Purnima or Baishakhi Purnima is the most respected holiday by the Buddhists of Bangladesh. It celebrates three important events of his life: birth, enlightenment and his demise. These festivities are celebrated joyously in Chattogram, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the International Buddhist Monastery in Dhaka. In the morning, devotees visit temples for meditation sessions, attending to candles, flowers and prayers. In addition, peace demonstrations and religious talks are planned. The day is celebrated peacefully for nonviolence and introspection. Among all fairs in Bangladesh, Buddha Purnima carries religious significance and promotes harmony among communities.
Timings: April – May / Based on the lunar calendar (Full moon of Baishakh)
8. Shab-e-Barat
Photo: FaysaLBinDaruL / Wikimedia Commons
Shab-e-Barat, the Night of Forgiveness, is a spiritual event celebrated by Muslims all across Bangladesh. Allah is thought to write people’s destinies for the next year on the fifteenth night of the Islamic month of Sha’ban. Devotees pray, recite the Quran, and beg for pardon for their transgressions throughout the night. Families visit the graves of their loved ones, clean them up and pray for their souls. They make homemade roti and halwa and distribute them among the underprivileged. It is one of the most important nights for Islam.
Timings: Based on the Islamic lunar calendar (15th night of Sha’ban)
9. Lailat al Miraj
Photo: Risadul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
On the 27th night of the Islamic month of Rajab, people in Bangladesh celebrate Lailat al Miraj, also called Shab-e-Meraj. It commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to the heavens and his miraculous nighttime journey from Makkah to Jerusalem. This night is celebrated with great reverence in Bangladesh. Throughout the night, special prayers are held and mosques are decorated. Many people recite the Quran and offer private prayers at night while fasting during the day. Traditional sweets like roti and halwa are made in some homes and distributed to the neighbours. The holy environment depicts acts of kindness and community sharing.
Timings: Based on the Islamic lunar calendar (27th night of Rajab)
10. Mawlid
Photo: Kryesmin / Wikimedia Commons
In Bangladesh, many people celebrate Mawlid, also called Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, honouring Prophet Muhammad’s birth. Mosques, homes, and streets are decked out with banners and lights. Islamic institutions and community groups organise processions, religious talks, and poetry recitations (naat). Devotees assemble to hear speeches about the life, personality, and teachings of the Prophet. Charity is a major part of the celebration, meals and sweets are offered in many places. The day holds a strong spiritual connection, it also integrates feeling joyous and united.
Timings: Based on the Islamic lunar calendar (12th Rabi’ al-Awwal)
The festivals in Bangladesh are filled with colour, culture, and heartfelt traditions. From spiritual nights to vibrant street fairs, each celebration offers a unique experience. Whether you love food, music, or cultural gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the joy and warmth these festivals bring. Book your trip with TripXL, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in the heart of Bangladesh’s celebrations.
Cover Photo: Salahuddinrazu / Wikimedia Commons
