The Flow Fest Dhaka brings a new meaning to creativity, fitness and well-being

The Flow Fest Dhaka, taking place from November 6 to 8, has provided a window of opportunity for residents to breathe fresh air and focus on fitness. Located in Justice Shahabuddin Park, around the lake, multiple centres were established to connect people from diverse backgrounds, interests, and age groups. With over 100 sessions and 150 conscious brands, The Flow Fest offered something for everyone. From yoga, martial arts, Zumba, and sound healing to art therapy and live concerts, the event seamlessly blended movement, mindfulness, and music in a way that felt both effortless and profound. Families arrived with children and pets, groups of friends spread mats under trees, and strangers smiled at one another as if they'd known each other for years. That's the essence of Flow - connection in motion.
The Flow Fest featured several divisions, including Yoga Shala, Meditation Garden, Art and Soul Zone, Amphitheatre, Playground, Food, Market, and a concert by Zohad Reza Chowdhury.
After entering the Flow Fest, one would find a place to wander around amid books (the Bookworm), enjoy political debates, spectate dance performances, witness folk art, and submerge themselves in fitness and well-being through the Yoga Shala and the Meditation Garden.
On Friday, November 7, Yoga Shala offered programmes such as 'Yin Yoga with Namit', 'Assemble Fitness', and 'Fitness with Britto', among others.
'Assemble Fitness', a strength and conditioning gym in Dhaka, brought its programme to the basketball court of the park, surrounded by artsy programmes and book stalls. The open space created a fascinating atmosphere for physical exercise. Professional Boxer Zawad 'Super' Syam, who is also a brand connector at Assemble Fitness, introduced four types of 'KettleBell' exercises to the attendees on the spot.
People of different ages, from children to middle-aged people, participated in the exercise sessions. "What we witnessed this year was extraordinary - a community coming together in compassion, curiosity, and care," Shazia Omar, Founder & CEO of The Flow Fest, said in a press release. "When we move, create, and breathe together, we begin to heal together," she added.
From the surroundings, echoes of music, dance, and laughter from 'Breakfast Club Bangladesh' came together to create an environment of well-being. Zawad also explained how these exercises help to relax the mind and gain stamina.
"In Bangladesh's Gym community, amid different exercise and equipment, the Kettlebell is one of the underrated ones. This is why, today I am showing exercises through this," said Zawad.
Next to the Yoga Shala, the Meditation Garden had organised a different programme, called 'Sound Healing with Swayambhu.' Here, Swayambhu - a well-being initiative where sound heals, silence guides, and the self finds stillness - featured a series of musical instruments, and people from diverse backgrounds and ages joined in the meditation.
Apart from the Yoga Shala and the Meditation Garden, Friday afternoon was spent with 'The Bengal Beats by Arthy' from the Art & Soul Zone. Their dance at the basketball court was also fascinatingly about well-being; even, some of the dancers previously joined 'Assemble Fitness' and participated in the exercises.
Sharif Zahir, Chairman of United Commercial Bank PLC, had also attended the Flow Fest. Speaking at the 'Partners in Flow' panel on the festival's second day, Zahir addressed the audience not as a banker, but as a firm believer in the power of well-being to transform individuals and institutions alike, according to a press release.
The playground division of the fest was decorated with various outdoor games for children. Children often struggle to find a spot to play in the bustling city of Dhaka. The Flow Fest opened a window through which children could enjoy what was a common scenario for 90s Dhaka. Promoting mindfulness in this way is what The Flow Fest did best.
In addition to the outdoor games, this segment also organised several events, such as Yoga with Faria for kids, Gardening with Dhaka Jungle for kids, and Women's Self-Defence by Fresh Anonna, among others.
The habit of fitness and well-being should be started from an early age, and this fest not only encourages that but also actively initiates the activities. The women's self-defence programme caught the eye due to its reliability in the real world, especially in a city where women are harassed on public transport every day.
The Amphitheatre segment organised some eye-catching events, including the 'Breathe and Bond Panel', 'Consciousness Style Walk', and 'NCC Stand Up Comedy'.
A stand-up comedy act at a wellness festival is a unique addition, but as we all know, laughter often brings out mindfulness and thus promotes wellness from within.
The closing day of the Flow Fest started with Yoga Shala's 5 km Marathon 'Ready, Set, Go' at 7 am. The atmosphere at this early hour creates a distinct feeling that is generally absent for most people living in the city. People joined the event to experience a new kind of feeling, which the event delivered. The previous day, at the same time, Yoga Shala had organised a 'Thrive Walkathon', which definitely prepared people for a more active event on the closing day.
The fest had places to take a break if one wanted to. The Bookworm had books from a plethora of writers, ranging from Fyodor Dostoevsky to Jane Austen and Dan Brown. The political enthusiasts enjoyed having debates in the open mic segment during breaks. Each day ended with an open-space concert, uplifting people before their departure.
Global wellness experts had also joined and run specialised workshops in this atmosphere. Chiropractor Dr Ken Yamamoto conducted his workshop using traditional Japanese healing techniques.
People signed up for relief from chronic pain and tension. On the other hand, personal trainer and nutrition coach Michelle Tan had set up consultation programs. People could sign up for individual nutrition and fitness recommendations while enjoying music echoing from the surroundings.
The Flow Fest Dhaka was a breath of fresh air in the traffic-trapped, chaotic city of Dhaka. The fest helped and inspired people to become more health-conscious, while delivering books for bookworms, music for music lovers, and political debate for political enthusiasts, all in one place.

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