PHOTOS: COURTESY

Rickshaw Art Festival 2026 is more than just an exhibition. It is a cultural platform that connects heritage with contemporary Aaudiences.

ANIKA TAHSIN HAFSA

Rickshaw art is often called a moving canvas because it carries the colours, stories and imagination of Bangladesh through the streets. From birds and flowers to film stars and fantasy characters, rickshaw paintings reflect both our traditions and popular culture. This vibrant art form is now being celebrated at the Rickshaw Art Festival 2026, currently taking place at North South University. The festival was inaugurated on January 28 at 11 am, presented by Awake Coffee Roasters and jointly organised by Shei Dhaka and NSU APC.

Walking through the exhibition feels like stepping into a world of bold and lively colours. Instead of canvas, many artworks are painted on steel rickshaw backs, staying true to the original form. Bright shades of red, orange, yellow and green dominate the works. Visitors can see portraits of actors and actresses, colourful peacocks, birds, flowers, and scenes reflecting Bangladeshi culture and animal life.

One of the most interesting aspects of the exhibition is how rickshaw art blends tradition with global pop culture. Characters like Michael Jackson, Mr Bean, Jack Sparrow and Harry Potter appear in rickshaw-paint avatars. Alongside these are rickshaw-style versions of old Bangladeshi cinema posters and modern series such as Sherlock Holmes, The Office, Breaking Bad and Stranger Things . The juxtaposition reflects rickshaw art’s ability to evolve while preserving its distinctive identity.

The festival showcases works by renowned rickshaw artists Mohammad Hanif Pappu, Dilip Kumar, Syed Ahmad Hossain, Rafiqul Islam, and Monir Hossain (Monir). The inauguration ceremony was attended by photojournalist Shahidul Alam, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, a representative from the Embassy of Kosovo, and Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University. Their presence highlighted the importance of preserving Bangladesh’s visual and cinematic heritage.

Alongside the art exhibition, the festival features a cinematic showcase of modern Bengali classics such as Aynabaji , Monpura , and Rickshaw Girl . These screenings celebrate culturally rooted storytelling. The festival also includes workshops and live art sessions. On January 28, university students received training, while school students will learn live rickshaw painting on the upcoming days. A panel discussion titled How Can We Preserve & Promote Rickshaw & Cinema Art Globally? A Heritage at Risk of Fading will be held on January 31. The discussion will feature prominent cultural figures, including representatives from UNESCO and leading cultural institutions.

Rickshaw Art Festival 2026 is more than just an exhibition. It is a cultural platform that connects heritage with contemporary audiences. By bringing together rickshaw art, cinema and storytelling, the festival celebrates Bangladesh’s vibrant identity and encourages future generations to value and protect this colourful tradition. The festival is open to the visitors until January 31, from 10 am to 6 pm daily.