Veteran singer Rafiqul Alam, a luminary in Bangladesh’s musical landscape, has spent decades captivating audiences with his melodious voice. Celebrated both nationally and internationally, he has made a lasting contribution to the country’s cultural heritage, shaping the musical tastes of generations.
Even today, Rafiqul Alam remains actively engaged in music. In an interview with The Daily Star, he fondly reminisced about the Eids of his childhood. “I spent most of my early years in Rajshahi,” he recalls. “Our family home was located in Sagorpara, a well-known area in the city. Back then, there were only five houses there, all belonging to our extended family.”
He elaborated on the family dynamics of his youth: “There were four brothers and two sisters in our immediate family. Including cousins, our household numbered twenty-one. During Eid, we naturally became a large, lively group. We never needed outsiders to create entertainment—we generated all our own joy and excitement.”
Childhood Eid Traditions
When asked about typical Eid day activities, Rafiqul Alam smiled. “Flying kites was our main pastime. One of my cousins knew how to craft kites, so preparations would start well before Eid. After the Eid prayers, we would rush outdoors with our kites and spend the day soaring them high in the sky.”
New clothing was another integral part of the celebration. “I didn’t have much say in the choice of my Eid outfits,” he admits. “My father would select the fabric and take me to the tailor. That was how my clothes were made. Those moments are unforgettable.”
Interestingly, the tradition of giving Eidi, or Eid money, was not common on his paternal side. “We didn’t practise it at my father’s home,” he explains. “But at my maternal grandparents’ house, it was customary. Receiving Eidi back then was a source of great delight. Nowadays, of course, I am the one giving it—willingly or not!” he added with a laugh.
Yet nostalgia comes with a tinge of melancholy. “I try not to dwell too deeply on the past,” he confides. “It can make me feel somewhat heavy-hearted, so I don’t revisit these memories too often.”
This Eid, Rafiqul Alam will remain in Dhaka, celebrating with his family. Musically, he is preparing a new song to mark the occasion. Composed by Foad Nasser Babu with lyrics by Moniruzzaman Monir, the track will premiere on a YouTube channel and be broadcast on a private television network. “It has turned out to be a very beautiful song,” he notes with evident satisfaction.
Rafiqul Alam’s Childhood Eid Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Childhood city | Rajshahi |
| Family area | Sagorpara |
| Household members | 21 (including cousins) |
| Siblings | 4 brothers, 2 sisters |
| Favourite Eid activity | Flying kites |
| Eid clothing choice | Selected by father, tailored locally |
| Eidi tradition | Maternal grandparents’ home only |
Through these reflections, Rafiqul Alam not only recalls the joy of childhood Eids but also offers a glimpse into the cultural richness of Bangladesh’s festive traditions, blending family, music, and celebration into a timeless tapestry.