Here's how Dhaka is gearing up for Eid celebrations

Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Monday, and every home is now filled with boundless joy and festivity. To make Eid celebrations enjoyable, various parks, zoos, and museums in the capital are ready to welcome visitors.

Entertainment centres across Dhaka are being decorated in a new look. However, as in previous years, the Shishu Park in Shahbagh will remain closed, as it has been shut down since development and modernisation work began. Meanwhile, the National Museum, which remained closed during Eid since the Covid-19 period, will be open to visitors this time.

A visit to these entertainment centres reveals the extensive preparations underway.

Officials and staff members are busy making arrangements, enhancing the beauty of leisure spots. Rides are being repaired, cleaned, and repainted, while CCTV cameras are being activated to strengthen security. Special lighting arrangements are also being made, and authorities are hiring additional staff. During the Eid holidays, city dwellers flock to entertainment centres with their families, creating large crowds at these venues.

National Zoo

The National Zoo in Mirpur remains one of the biggest attractions for Dhaka residents during the Eid holidays. Every year, thousands gather here from the first day of Eid for several days.

Star file photo

According to Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukdar, the director of the zoo, special preparations are underway to give it a fresh look for Eid. Efforts are being made to improve the environment and ensure visitor comfort.

Signboards with guidelines are being placed to inform visitors about dos and don'ts inside the zoo.

National Museum and Ahsan Manzil

The photo is taken from Wikimedia Commons.

The National Museum and Ahsan Manzil will remain open for city dwellers on Eid day. These sites will be accessible from noon to 4:00pm for visitors of all ages without any entry fee, aimed at underprivileged and specially-abled children.

However, from the following day, a regular entry fee will be applicable. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Museum and Ahsan Manzil remained closed during Eid, but they are reopening following a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. These places are great destinations for those seeking a historical escape from the busy city life.

File Photo of Ahsan Manzil.

Gulistan Shaheed Matiur Park

Gulistan's Shaheed Matiur Park has been decorated with lights, new rides, and aesthetic enhancements. Additional rides have been installed to delight children. The best part is that the entry fee is only 10 taka, making it affordable for all, allowing children from lower and middle-income families in Dhaka South to enjoy the Eid celebrations at a minimal cost. Alongside the new decorations, security measures have also been strengthened to ensure a safe environment for visitors.

DNCC Wonderland Park

Shyamoli's DNCC Wonderland Park has been revamped to offer a delightful experience for children.

Shishu Mela in the capital's Shyamoli was sealed off yesterday by Dhaka North City Corporation for being run unauthorised for the past 11 years. Photo: Star

Amidst the city's busy life, this park provides an excellent entertainment option for kids. For Eid, the park has been redesigned to make it even more attractive, with special lighting and ride renovations in progress. All rides are being repainted to create a joyful atmosphere. Given the park's high foot traffic during Eid, extra security measures have been taken to ensure safety.

Eid Procession

After the Eid prayers, the Eid Procession will begin from the old venue of the Dhaka International Trade Fair, organised by the Dhaka North City Corporation.

The procession will start at the fairground and move along Agargaon's main road, crossing Khamarbari intersection and ending in front of the South Plaza of the National Parliament.

A marching band will perform during the procession, while participants will carry placards with Eid greetings and awareness messages. Five beautifully adorned horses will lead the procession, followed by 15 horse-drawn carriages.

Additionally, 10 puppet shows will depict stories from the Mughal and Sultanate periods. The event aims to spread the message of a fair and well-managed Dhaka city.

Two-Day Eid Fair

A two-day Eid Fair will be a major highlight of Dhaka North City's Eid festivities.

The fair will be held on Eid day and the following day at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre premises.

Over 200 stalls will feature products from various entrepreneurs and businesses.

The fair will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm on both days, with Ferris wheels and different sports equipment for recreational activities to entertain children.