Arman R. Khan

Rating: 9/10 “For those of us climbing to the top of the food chain, there can be no mercy.

Ever since I heard about Shakrain celebration, particularly the kite festival, in Old Dhaka, I've been meaning to go there. But try as I may, I missed the festival for the last two years. So I was adamant to attend Shakrain this year, celebrated on January 14. Although it is held in different parts of the Old Town, I went to Laxmibazar with a local friend. Upon arriving, I realised that I had underestimated the popularity of Shakrain; it wasn't just another festival, it was THE festival of the Old Town. My friend informed me that groups from every few buildings would raise a fund and organise a bash every year for Shakrain – Old Town style, with lights and sound systems.

Halfway through winter, and amongst the gazillions of weddings around, I came across one that just shows how far we've come technologically. With my cousin living abroad and having reached a “suitable” age for getting married according to Bangladeshi standards, the family decided to get him married without further delay, over Skype.

When I first saw the promotional video for this year's “Closeup Volt”, I was amazed. The event, which was organised by the brand, Closeup on December 27, 2014 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka, was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of the young and talented artists who are trying to do something new.