Bangladesh is a country that is ‘located in southern Asia. It has about 163 million people, and the official language is Bengali. The culture of Bangladesh is unique and exciting, and there are many different aspects to it. One of the most notable aspects of Bangladeshi culture is its spicy and flavorful food. In addition, various festivals celebrate its culture and heritage throughout the year. Bangladesh is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, and it’s worth exploring. In this article, we will intensely discuss the lifestyle and culture in Bangladesh.
Brief History of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. The Land is beside the Padma (Ganges) and Jamuna (Brahmaputra) rivers, which are the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent. The population is huge, and its people are predominantly Muslim. Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh.
The area that is now Bangladesh has a long history of humans. The settlement dates back thousands of years. The country has a rich culture. It has been influenced by successive waves of migration from various parts of the world. The region was a centre for Buddhism and Hinduism in ancient times. Later Bangladesh became an important centre for Muslim civilization during Islamic rule. The British East India Company conquered Bengal in 1757, which led to anarchy and chaos.
The British Raj ruled Bengal from 1765 to 1947. When It became a province of Pakistan with the name East Bengal, it became East Pakistan after Pakistan gained independence from Britain in 1947. The region struggled under Pakistani rule, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Haji Shariatullah. In 1971 Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan. The war followed an armed conflict between West Pakistan and East Pakistan.
What is the Bangladesh lifestyle?
The Bangladesh lifestyle is one of the most famous globally. Bangladesh is a country with an incredible combination of ancient and modern cultures. The stunning landscape and the warm climate are just some reasons. Why so many people are visiting this beautiful country. Suppose you have ever been to Bangladesh. You will know exactly what we mean when we say that the Bangladesh lifestyle is something you have to experience firsthand.
What is the culture in Bangladesh, and how do the people live their lives?
Bangladesh has a long history of cultural diversity. It was part of an enormous Bengali empire that included parts of India and Burma. The country has also been influenced by Islamic and British colonization over time.
As a result, Bangladeshi culture is rich and varied, with many different religions. Their culture is customs and traditions.
Bangladesh is a secular democratic state where Islam is the dominant faith. Although most people are Muslim, other religious groups, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, are present. The cultures of these religions blend to form the unique identity of today’s Bangladeshi people.
Although modern life has crept into Bangladesh in recent years due to technological advances, the country increased globalization, and many people still live traditional lifestyles within the country. You can find the people in rural areas who have no modernization effects on their life and culture.
Many tribal or indigenous groups live in rural areas. They have preserved their traditions despite influences from the outside world. However, in terms of daily life for Bangladeshi people, their way of life can vary greatly, depending on their social class or economic situation.
Traditional Foods of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a country where people are very passionate about their food. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the neighbouring countries of India and Burma. They also have a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
As a result, Bangladeshi food is generally spicy. The dish is fish-based with lots of vegetables. A popular dish in Bangladesh is called Dhal (sometimes called Dal, Daal, or even Dahl). Dal is a stew made from lentils or other beans. It comes in wide varieties but is mainly eaten with rice, vegetables, and meat.
Another typical dish in Bangladesh is Biryani, consisting primarily of rice and curry. This dish contains many different spices and herbs. Such as cinnamon, cardamom, and coriander seeds. A trendy drink in Bangladesh is tea, known locally as chai. Depending on your taste preferences, you can serve it hot or cold and sweeten it with milk sugar. Bangladeshi tea has a distinct Bangladeshi flavour. When appropriately brewed (which means not too strong).
Popular Festivals and Celebrations of Bangladesh
Pahela Baishakh or Bangla New Year
It is the most widely celebrated festival in Bangladesh. Pahela Baishakh marks the beginning of a new year according to the Bengali calendar and falls on April 14 or 15. It is one of the most colourful festivals in Bangladesh. Men and women dressed in their traditional attire. They enjoy the day by eating sweets and unique dishes. In addition, people visit each other’s houses, participate in fairs, and visit temples.
Eid-ul-Fitr:
Eid-ul-Fitr is a three-day religious holiday. That marks the end of Ramzan, the Islamic month of fasting. This festival is celebrated by Muslims worldwide at the same time. Eid-ul-Fitr is considered to be one of the most important festivals for them. People dress up in new clothes and exchange gifts and sweets. Muslims pray for their well-being. After prayer, they visit relatives and friends with wishes for Eid Mubarak.
Eid-ul-Adha:
Eid-ul-Azha is traditionally celebrated on the tenth day of Zil Hajj, the final month in the Arabic calendar. Muslims sacrifice animals to mark the day, the second biggest festival after Eid-ul-Fitr.
Ashura
The people of Bangladesh also celebrate Ashura. Muslims worldwide observe Ashura. It is an important religious holiday commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali. Who is the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad? So it was in the Battle of Karbala on 10 Muharram in the year 61 AH (in October 680 AD). Some countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bahrain celebrate Ashura as a public holiday.
Durga Puja
It is a Hindu festival. That celebrates the worship of Goddess Durga. During the period when she visits her paternal home along with her children. Hindus celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm in Dhaka and Chittagong. The festival lasts nine days and culminates in ‘Vijaya Dashami’ (the tenth day).
On this day, Hindus immerse idols of Goddess Durga in rivers or lakes, which symbolizes her return to Mount Kailash (her husband’s abode). They remove pandals and decorations on the last day and leave no signs of celebrations.
Chrismas Day:
Bangladesh has a public holiday for Christmas. “Shubho Boro Din” is a common way to say hello to someone (Greetings of the Great Day). At Christmas, people give gifts, decorate trees, go to church, and eat together with family and friends, all while keeping an eye out for Santa Claus.
Buddha Purnima:
On the full moon day of the Baisakh month each year, Buddha Purnima is celebrated with tremendous fervour in Bangladesh (April-May). The day is observed in honour of Lord Gautam Buddha, who preached nonviolence, compassion, and tolerance.
Many Buddhists will go to their local temple; some might even stay there throughout the day and night of the full moon. Many will do good deeds, take part in chanting and meditation, reflect on Buddhist teachings, bring offerings to the temple and share food with people.
Independence Day
March 26 is the Independence Day of Bangladesh. Citizens are commemorating the country’s declaration of independence from Pakistan. They celebrate this day with parades, public meetings, and rallies.
Traditional Clothes of Bangladesh
Bangladeshi people have worn saris and lungis in a traditional style for centuries. However, a few new clothing items have found their way into the closets of Bangladeshi people.
In the past couple of years, jeans, skin-tight pants, and shirts have been revealing. The mid-drift has become more popular among young adults. They are influenced by Western culture through the media. Boys and girls attending school often wear denim pants, t-shirts, and hoodies.
The female population of Bangladesh has begun to wear saris more modernly than before. Women now drape the sari over their left shoulder instead of over their right (Hindu” style). Even without a blouse underneath, other women have started to wear their sari with one end over each shoulder (known as the “Arabic” style).
Men and boys also wear a lungi (a type of cloth wrapped around the waist that resembles a skirt). But they usually wear it under their shirt.
Rickshaws are the primary mode of transportation in Bangladesh
When you first step into a rickshaw in Bangladesh, you’ll feel like a sultan riding in a chariot. The vehicle is open-air with brightly coloured curtains, and the seats are wide and soft. It’s a thoughtful way to experience Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital city.
The rickshaw is the most ubiquitous mode of transportation here. There are more than half a million rickshaws in Dhaka alone. They have three-wheeled bikes that are pulled by men who ride bikes. The drivers typically wear tight vests and cargo shorts with flip-flops. However, not all rickshaws are created equal. Some are used as taxis, and others are used on public transport routes.
The rickshaw having marks on the right panel have official registration with the government. It indicates the driver’s license. They can also charge you more money. But, they’re “safe” drivers and will not kidnap or rob you.
A Bit Of India – The Indian Influence Is Everywhere
India borders surrounding on Bangladesh three sides. Due to this proximity, India has greatly influenced Bangladeshi culture. The cultures of Bangladesh and India are similar in
many ways. Regarding food, both countries have very similar dishes, such as rice and curry, which are common in both countries.
Travelling Dhaka: It Is Like a Big City with a Small Town Feel
When comparing Dhaka with other cities, one thing that stands out to me is how easy it is to walk around this place. It is not what you expect from a city with 15 million people. There is no traffic or chaos on the streets like in other big cities like New Delhi or Mumbai. That makes walking around a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Creative and Delicious Street Food in Bangladesh
Street food is a common thing in Bangladesh. Our people love street food as it tastes delicious and is relatively cheap. There are so many street foods available in our country, but I will try to discuss some famous ones here.
Biriyanis
It is the most loved street food in Bangladesh, and we can find it everywhere in our country. This street food is made of rice, chicken, mutton, egg, fish, and spices. When the Biriyanis are ready, you can eat them with a salad or fried vegetables, and this combination tastes great.
Vortes
Votes are also very popular, especially among young people, as they are pretty cheap and tasty. There are many different Vortas available in Bangladesh. Including Vorta made from Mutton, Beef, Chicken, Prawns, etc.
They taste great with some special sauce called ‘Chutney’ in our local language.
Cutlets
Cultes are also famous in Bangladesh. You can get this street food in different varieties. The variety is Fish cutlet, Vegetable cutlet, and Chicken cutlet. Cutlets are small rectangular pieces of meat. Vegetables or fish dipped in egg and bread crumbs and fried in oil until golden.
Muri-Ghoogni
This food is a recipe for rice puff and hot peas. They present it with chopped onions, chilli, lemon, coriander leaves, garlic paste, and green chillies. This food originated in Bihar, which is a state in India. It was first introduced during British rule in India when it was used to feed army men. It was later introduced in Bangladesh during the war of liberation.
Chotpoti
They call this food ‘Bechwali’. Because it comprises boiled potatoes, chopped onions, Bengal gram flour, chillies, and spices, the consistency of this dish can vary from very thin to thick paste. Like a gravy, one can eat this dish with bread or crackers.
Fuchka
This street food has several names, such as Pani-Puri, Golgappa, Phuchka, and many more. It is called Fuchka or Phuchka in Bangladesh.
Effects of Modernization on Bangladesh Culture
Historically, Bangladesh has been a very conservative and socially conservative country. We have a rich history of customs and traditions passed down through our generations, however, despite being a developing nation. In addition, there are several modern influences. That has changed how we perceive and practice our habits.
For example, Bangladeshi weddings take place within the family compound. The bride and groom wore matching clothing. They participate in traditional games like tug of war and dance with family members. But, wedding ceremonies are elaborate events where the bride and groom spend weeks preparing for them and wearing matching clothing. In addition, they often hold big receptions with food catered by professional chefs.
Another example: It was once common for women to wear saris – long flowing garments. That covered most of their bodies – when out in public. Today, yet, many women choose not to wear these items. Because they believe it makes them appear more liberated. Or they don’t want anyone else to see their bodies without permission first.
Beautiful places of Bangladesh
People visit Bangladesh for various reasons. Some people come to Bangladesh to visit historical places. Tourists enjoy its cultural heritage. Many travellers come to Bangladesh to taste delicious food and enjoy the fun of beach life. There are many lovely places in Bangladesh. Each of these places has its charm and attracts tourists from abroad. Bangladesh’s tropical climate, fertile soil, and natural beauty attract many tourists every year. And one can enjoy the natural beauty of Bangladesh.
1) Cox’s Bazar beach
2) Saint Martin’s Island
3) Srimangal Tea Garden
4) Sundarban mangrove forest
5) Paharpur historical site
6) Puthia Temple Complex
7) Madhabkunda waterfall 8) Watchtowers at Jaflong, Sylhet.
Bangladesh Music and Dance
Bangladeshi dance and music, like the country’s architecture. Clothing, and cuisine, are a hybrid of indigenous traditions and styles imported by traders and colonizers. Dance styles in Bangladesh range from folk to classical. Notable classical forms include the Manipuri Dance, which is popular in Sylhet.
Bangladesh music is mostly vocal-based, with lyrics inspired by socio-political events. Popular musical instruments include the sitar, tabla, and harmonium. Some people of Bangladesh also enjoy Western styles of music. A one-stringed instrument known as the ektara accompanies Bangladeshi folk music. The Baul tradition is a unique heritage of Bangladeshi folk music. According to UNESCO’s “Humanitarian Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.
Bottom Line
Bangladesh is a country that has undergone significant change in the last century. In its lifestyle and culture in Bangladesh. The people are predominantly Muslim. Their traditional foods reflect this with rice being the leading staple food of choice alongside lentils. They also eat meat regularly, which is unusual for many cultures across Asia. They do not consume any animal products. There are some distinct differences between Bangladeshi clothing for men and women. Traditionally, men wore wearing Lungis or sarongs while women wore wearing saris. This culture has become more westernized over time. Rickshaws are still the most popular form of transport in Bangladesh. Due to how difficult it can be to find cars for sale even though fewer people opt for rickshaw use.