With a commitment to reviving traditional crafts and fostering creative innovation, the third edition of Dhaka Makers is currently underway at Aloki in the capital.

Kicked off on January 30, the five-day event has drawn attention with its unique zoned layout, vibrant activities, and engaging displays.  

Building on the success of its previous editions, the festival offers a platform for fresh ideas, innovative showcases, and a deeper connection between creators and the community, according to its organizers.

The opening ceremony was held on Thursday night, joined by Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer of City Bank; and Susan Vize, Country Representative of UNESCO. In their remarks, the speakers praised the initiative and its contributions and artistic tributes to the country’s creative and cultural landscape.

While the formal opening marked a significant start, the real charm of the festival lies in its marketplaces, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits, according to the organizers.

The Craft Market is one of the festival’s main attractions, featuring displays and sales of traditional Bangladeshi crafts including shataranji, shital pati, beadwork, clay and bamboo items, nakshi kantha, Jamdani, shola, coconut shell crafts, and terracotta dolls - captivating the festivalgoers through the craftsmanship and diversity.  

At the Makers Marketplace, local creative entrepreneurs like Shabana, Aysha, Hanif Pappu, Good for Living, Olokkhi, Daring, Ikigai, So Called Artist, Holla, Crystal in a Wrap, Bad Girl Nation, Sevendays Notes, Nature Design Studio, Straight Out Toco, DM Merchant, Hossain Works, Concrete and Beyond, Plum Pieces, Gero, Jathashilpa, C'est La Vie, Pottery Booth, Pastel Homes, and Ogopogo Studio, to name a few, have set up stalls. On the upper floor, the Art Market presents the experimental works of 79 artists, blending traditional and modern artistry.

One notable feature of this year’s event is the use of bright red fruit crates for decoration, which adds a unique aesthetic to the temporary food zone and other outdoor spaces. The food zone includes offerings from Aloki Catering, Pizza The Wali, Smashed Burger, Jatra Birati, Couch Potato, Mexcellent, Grab a Wrap, Next Crumb, and Tabaq Coffee Shop.

Workshops have been a key attraction, with sessions on Bangla calligraphy by Sabyasachi Hazra, miniature terrariums, sustainable leather crafting, zero-waste practices, and folk-inspired illustrations.  

The second day of the festival also featured live demonstrations of body painting and rickshaw art, which drew significant crowds. Evening performances by Subconscious and Powersurge added a burst of energy, keeping attendees entertained late into the night.  

Organizers describe Dhaka Makers as the largest gathering of artisans working with Bangladesh’s traditional crafts. The event unites art and craft under one roof, celebrating the country’s rich heritage while encouraging modern creativity.

City Bank PLC is the Title Partner for the event, with support from Communication Partner Goethe-Institut, Experience Partner Be Here Now, Associate Partner The Daily Star, Venue Partner Aloki, Strategic Partners Jatra, Paara, High Voltage, eCube Entertainment, and The Sound of Music, Sustainability Partner Bazaar 365, and Media Partners ICE Today, The Nutshell Today, Cablegram, and Haalfashion.  

Open to the public until February 3, the third edition of Dhaka Makers continues to be a rendezvous for creators and enthusiasts to explore and celebrate the country’s artistic and cultural wealth and vibrant offerings.