On a bright Saturday in Gulshan, Dhaka, the city’s usual hum of traffic and hurried footsteps was replaced by the cheerful rhythm of celebration. A foreign woman danced, holding a child’s hand, while nearby, a man in a Bohemian outfit swayed joyfully to the music. By the serene lakeside, Lalon songs created a magical ambience, and even foreign visitors nodded along in time. Amidst the usual chaos of Dhaka, the three-day Dhaka Flow Fest 2025 offered a rare space for relaxation, reflection, and festivity, a welcome pause for both body and mind.

The festival was a riot of colours, sounds, and scents. “I am really enjoying being here,” said Joya Berlin, a psychological counsellor attending the event. The fair, designed to promote mental well-being, also hosted a lively book fair, with collections from both local and international authors. Visitors wandered through the stalls, reminded that books, the epitome of knowledge, remain our closest companions.

But Dhaka Flow Fest was not only about reading. Mouthwatering foods lined the avenues, ranging from vibrant, aromatic local dishes to international delights. Many of the food stalls were run by women entrepreneurs, highlighting a surge in female-led enterprises in Bangladesh. One stall owner shared, “There is a huge crowd here. It’s a very large-scale event,” showcasing her collection of date cakes and ABC muffins. Another highlighted the taste of hill-tract cuisine and kimchi offerings, noting, “Our food sales have been excellent.”

Mindfulness and wellness were also at the festival’s heart. Throughout the afternoons, yoga sessions invited participants to reconnect with themselves. Trainers guided them with calm, encouraging words. Yet a unique twist elevated the experience: soft tanpura music drifted through the air, gentle melodies mingled with subtle scents from aromatic diffusers, creating a meditative environment where visitors could release stress and embrace inner peace.

The festival drew crowds from across Bangladesh and beyond. Families strolled together, children laughed, and friends explored stalls with curiosity and delight. A father holding his young daughter remarked, “It’s great, really enjoyable. Our local fest is happening here. I would advise people to explore the entire place.” Meanwhile, an Indian Punjabi mother encouraged her children to share their experiences. “I did the zipline. It was very fun,” said the boy, while his sister added, “I saw people doing face painting, and then we went down to the stage where people were singing.”

International visitors were equally charmed. A Chinese teenager commented, “There are lots of activities, like fun activities. It’s nothing new, just a friendly home experience.” Across the park, children played chess, painted butterflies, and experimented with clay art, their faces lighting up with every creation. A bioscope corner hosted a singer, drawing eager youngsters who clamoured for photos.

Yet perhaps the festival’s most enchanting moments came by the lake, where Lalon songs resonated through the trees. Drums, khanjani, flute, and ektara accompanied the famous song, “Kor Re Peyala Kabul, Shuddho Iman-e”, creating a spellbinding atmosphere. Young and old alike danced to the rhythm, and the greenery, sparkling fountains, and musical harmony captivated everyone present. “This is a true representation of Bengali culture,” said a visitor from Rampura, while two friends from Badda reflected, “Coming here, we are learning about our culture in a different way, and it feels wonderful.”

Cultural immersion was complemented by creativity. Along the lake, visitors of all ages painted together. “Painting isn’t just for children; people of all ages can do it. It brings a lot of relief,” noted a female attendee. And the entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly. Women led fashion stalls blending traditional and Western styles, others offered low-fat, low-carb rice dishes, and a Bangkok-based nutrition coach drew crowds with her guidance on health and well-being.

The festival also showcased the global connections of Dhaka. A foreign visitor from Tangail remarked, “Very nice place, very nice rural areas, nice people, also very refreshing. We enjoyed a lot, we love Bangladesh.” A Japanese chiropractic practitioner added, “Bangladeshi people need chiropractic care. We provide treatment using Japanese traditional medicine.”

As night fell on the final day, the crowds swelled even further, with enthusiastic visitors spilling beyond gates to join the celebration. Dhaka Flow Fest 2025 was more than a festival, it was a testament to joy, creativity, and the human spirit. It proved that even in a city known for its rush and noise, there are spaces where music, culture, and mindfulness converge, leaving a lasting imprint on every heart that experiences it.