Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – It was 11 PM at Pechar Dwip, Cox’s Bazar, and an unexpected crowd of tourists gathered along the shore of the eco-friendly Mermaid Beach Resort. In the moonlit waters, 20 floating Sampan boats illuminated the sea with a breathtaking Moonboat Light Show while a mesmerizing fire performance dazzled the audience on the sandy shore. Just behind them, artists took over the Egg Planet Stage, delivering an electrifying DJ set that captivated festival-goers for nearly half an hour.
Earlier in the evening, the “Crab Dreamer Stage”—an open-air arena on the western side of the resort—hosted an extraordinary display of Bangladesh’s ethnic heritage. Young performers from the Tripura, Marma, Rakhine, and Mro communities showcased their cultural expressions through the Bottle Dance, Jum Dance, Sattan Dance, and Bamboo Dance. Meanwhile, the “Mystic Baul Stage”, set against the ocean, echoed with soulful Baul and Lalon music, immersing audiences in the rich folk traditions of Bangladesh.
As night deepened, the festival spread across multiple locations within the resort. The Crab Dreamer, Cosmic Turtle, and Big Bang Stages buzzed with non-stop DJ performances, interactive gatherings, and diverse culinary experiences. The celebrations continued until 3 AM, drawing travelers from 11 countries, including Japan, Thailand, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, and the United States. Foreign artists not only performed but also experienced Bangladesh’s vibrant traditional music.
A Festival Inspired by Burning Man
The three-day Burning Crab Festival, modeled after the famous Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, USA, transformed Mermaid Beach Resort into a hub of artistic expression, creative performances, and cultural fusion. The festival also featured screenings of notable films, including Boli: The Wrestler, Bangladesh’s Oscar submission, and a Busan International Film Festival award-winning film.
One of the festival’s biggest highlights was its spectacular lighting design, curated by renowned Japanese festival architect and lighting designer Jiro Endo, whose work left attendees in awe.
At 7:30 PM, the Crab Dreamer Stage hosted a mesmerizing performance by artists from the indigenous communities of Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Cox’s Bazar, including Rakhine, Mro, Marma, Tripura, Chakma, and Pangkhoa dancers. Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, who praised the festival’s inclusivity.
“This festival is a testament to Bangladesh’s diversity. Every ethnic group in the country contributes to its identity, and this is the message we want to share with the world. Bangladesh is not just for Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists—it belongs to everyone,” Dr. Ahmed remarked.
A Vision for Future Tourism
Mermaid Eco-Tourism Ltd. organized the festival to promote Cox’s Bazar as a world-class tourism destination. According to Anisul Haque Chowdhury, Managing Director of Mermaid Eco-Tourism Ltd., the event attracted over 2,000 attendees across Bangladesh and abroad.
“We wanted to create a unique festival that showcases Cox’s Bazar’s beauty on a global scale. This event brought together locals and international visitors in a setting where they could celebrate freely in harmony with nature. Given the overwhelming response, we are excited to announce that the second edition of the Burning Crab Festival will take place in the last three days of January next year,” Chowdhury said.
As the final beats of the DJ sets faded into the early morning, the Burning Crab Festival 2025 left behind footprints on the sand and an unforgettable impression of art, music, culture, and coastal celebration—a perfect blend of modernity and heritage.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
