Dhaka, a city of millions, can sometimes be suffocating. On top of all the stress of the burgeoning metropolitan, there is little scope to entertain oneself. What does one do in these circumstances other than pouring their heart out in front of loved ones? That is precisely the mystery of Dhaka's love for 'adda' or gossiping.
Adda, or informal discussion among friends or peers, is central to the history and culture of this civilisation. People of this fertile land have had village centres, mostly visited by men, for ages, and informal discussions have been their favourite pastimes for millennia.
On the other hand, women enjoyed visiting each other's homes and helping out with chores as they talked and sang about their lives.
These addas are central to the social fabric, for these laid-back discussions built trust and consensus in communities. Feelings of fraternity and shared ideals flourish in these. Incorporating music, musical instruments, and literary elements further enhance these sessions. Life in the communities is practically unthinkable without these.
As the Indian subcontinent was colonised by the British, an educated middle class emerged under Western formal education.
Debarati Sen, associate professor of Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Houston, thinks adda was a part of coping with Westernised status within British supremacy and its effects on the dignity of the Westernised Bengali middle class.
After the region became independent, the countries underwent rapid development. Consequently, the practice carried over to the big cities as urbanisation spread.
Local muhallas have had dedicated corners for adda, as teashops sprouted up as residents' favourite spots. It would be wrong to cover the truth that sometimes they gave rise to certain social ills, but on the whole, they have been the places to ward off stress and get the essence of the community.
Women's inner lives were further expanded as they entered formal education and the workforce.
Formal education institutions, in essence, became the hubs of these addas. The 'Teacher Student Centre' (TSC) of the University of Dhaka became the intellectual hub of Bangladesh.
Shahbag's Aziz Super Market, the Shilpakala Academy premises and Ramna Park -- all became the spots for heavyweight discussions among poets, journalists and intellectuals.
Bangladesh's independent and distinct intellectual thinking sprouted out of these places, becoming significant parts of Dhaka's urban myth.
As the country underwent satellite and digital revolutions, the capital's culture faced many transformations. Western liberal views became intrinsic to the urban social fabric, and consumerism also took hold.
Thus restaurants sprawled across the city. In the same period, the manic pace of urbanisation increasingly took up open spaces, and parks, fields and community spaces massively decreased.
Unplanned construction and deteriorating hygiene standards often leave the remaining spots unsuitable. Sadly, Dhaka has little space to relax besides its restaurants.
Takrim Hossain, a student at Dhaka University, says, "I love spending time with my friends and peers. But the only place to do that in Dhaka is restaurants. This indeed takes a toll on the pocket. Sometimes, we gossip in the streets, but our female friends are not comfortable with that."
Various new places are opening up to cater to the city's rising demand. Comedy clubs, cineplexes and entertainment parks and spots offer certain recreational value.
Farha Tasneem, currently working in a research organisation, shares, "Often I end up finding myself in a situation where I have money but I don't have any avenues to spend it. There aren't much options to spend one's time in the city."
Hence, adda is a preferred pastime and sometimes the default option. Albeit all the stifling conditions of the city, it is the only avenue to express oneself without restriction. One can discuss stray thoughts and incoherent ideas and laugh at life's problems. Thus, warding off worries and pouring out emotions, adda remains Dhaka's favourite activity.
mehzabeenlubaba@gmail.com