On the sacred night of Shab-e-Barat, the streets of Old Dhaka are once again alive with the traditional festivities centered around halua and ruti. From bustling intersections to narrow lanes, vendors have set up colorful stalls, wafting the air with the sweet fragrance that has been a part of this night for generations.
A stroll through Chawkbazar, Ray Saheb Bazar, Armanitola, Nazirabazar, Sutrapur, Narinda, Gandaria, and Lakshmibazar reveals a scene of bustling crowds admiring stalls adorned with intricate displays. Intriguingly shaped ruti, from flowers to animals, attract curious onlookers, while arrays of halua add vibrancy to the spectacle.
The stalls boast an array of traditional sweets, including chickpea halua, semolina halua, carrot halua, vermicelli, and various types of pitha. Vendors mention that ruti are made with flour, milk, eggs, ghee, raisins, sesame seeds, and cashew nuts, while halua comprises ingredients like papaya, pumpkin, lentils, and semolina.
Prices vary based on size and quality, with ruti priced between Tk 200 and Tk 600 per kg, and halua ranging from Tk 250 to Tk 500 per kg. Despite the festive ambiance, vendors note a slower business pace this year compared to previous ones due to increased competition from the growing number of stalls in Old Dhaka.
Long-time ruti seller Kamal Mia at Gandaria Mor reflects on the evolving celebration, reminiscing about livelier times when the tradition of sharing halua and ruti among neighbors was more prevalent. Similarly, other vendors like Siam from Al Baraka Hot Bread and Live Bakery and Ahmad Sharif from Kusum Confectionery express disappointment over the average sales this year.
While the commercial aspect of the tradition may have seen a decline, residents emphasize the deeper social significance of sharing halua and ruti on Shab-e-Barat. Rasheda Begum from Sutrapur nostalgically recalls the times when neighbors would visit each other, fostering bonds through shared meals.
Historically, the practice of distributing halua and sweets on Shab-e-Barat in Dhaka traces back to the late 19th century, initiated by the city’s nawabs. Over time, this custom evolved into a broader social celebration that continues to resonate in the lantern-lit streets of Old Dhaka.
