Once a staple of rural Bengali life, the dheki—a traditional wooden tool used for husking rice—has become a rare sight in urban settings. But this Pohela Boishakh, the Ocean Paradise Hotel in Cox’s Bazar brought this fading tradition back into the spotlight with a special dheki exhibition.
As part of the Bengali New Year celebrations, a fully functional dheki was installed in the hotel’s lobby, drawing the attention and admiration of guests. The display was part of a broader effort to highlight Bengali culture, with the hotel adorned in festive colors and decorated with elements that evoked the essence of traditional Bangla life.
“We wanted to create an immersive cultural experience for our guests this Pohela Boishakh,” said Sayeed Alamgir, the hotel’s Public Relations Officer. “The dheki display was a key part of that, allowing visitors to connect with a piece of our heritage that is disappearing from everyday life.”
Organizers believe that such initiatives not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also help spark interest in rural traditions among the younger generation. Through this thoughtful celebration, Ocean Paradise succeeded in blending luxury hospitality with the timeless charm of Bangladeshi culture.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
