After a gap of nine years, Kuakata is all set to host the two-day Tourism Carnival 2026, beginning tomorrow (23 October).
The programme features beach football, cricket, a marathon, kite and pitha festivals, a fashion show, musical events and a tour of the char areas. Organisers expect a large turnout of tourists at the beach this time.
Md Arifuzzaman, a member of the carnival organising committee, Upazila Nirbahi Officer and member secretary of the Beach Management Committee, said the consecutive holidays, combined with the carnival, could draw five to six lakh tourists. Preparations are under way across the beach in anticipation of the turnout.
He said several new attractions had been added this year, expanding beyond the conventional format. The aim is to create a festive atmosphere for visitors by combining entertainment, sports, local culture and tourism experiences.
Alongside participation from various organisations and brands, the carnival will feature attractive stalls and photo booths. Remark-Harland has joined as the beauty partner. The company will showcase products from its various beauty and personal care brands, offering visitors an additional attraction through its stalls and photo booths.
Organisers hope these additions will make the festival's entertainment and lifestyle programmes even more colourful.
Showcasing Kuakata's natural beauty and local heritage to tourists is also one of the main goals of this year's carnival.
The beach is known for offering visitors the chance to watch both sunrise and sunset from the same spot.
Beyond the beach, Lembur Forest, Gangamati, Red Crab Char, Rakhine village and a Buddhist temple hold particular appeal for tourists.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience local food, culture and ways of life.
Sports will be a major part of the event, with beach football and beach cricket alongside a beach marathon.
A kite festival and a pitha festival will also take place. Fashion shows, musical events and cultural performances are planned to make the carnival livelier.
The tour of the char areas will give tourists an opportunity to learn about the natural environment and local ways of life beyond the beach.
Local tourism entrepreneurs hope the carnival, being held after a long break, will bring Kuakata's tourism potential back into the spotlight. An increase in tourist numbers could also benefit related businesses, including hotels, motels, restaurants, transport services and local product sales.
Organisers hope the Kuakata Tourism Carnival 2026, which combines natural beauty, local heritage, sports and cultural events, will offer tourists an attractive experience and contribute to the growth of the country's tourism sector.