The Rickshaws of Dhaka Paint a Global Picture

Dhaka’s iconic rickshaws and their vibrant paintings have earned a coveted spot on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)‘s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The announcement was made during a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana on 6th December 2023.

The unique art of Dhaka’s rickshaws has now secured the esteemed status of the fifth ‘intangible cultural heritage’ of Bangladesh, joining the ranks of Jamdani weaving art, Shital Pati weaving art, Baul song, and Mangal procession.

“Rickshaws and rickshaw painting are viewed as a key part of the city’s cultural tradition and a dynamic form of urban folk art, providing inhabitants with a sense of shared identity and continuity,” officially stated UNESCO.

The slow-moving nature of the three-wheeled vehicle allows the passers-by to easily appreciate their intricate decorations. Rickshaws and their vibrant paintings have become integral to the city’s cultural heritage, recognized as a form of urban folk art, and further appreciated as showcased in exhibitions, festivals, and films. The art form, initially designed to attract passengers with colorful displays, now represents a dynamic and cherished part of Dhaka’s cultural tradition.

Tags: Dhaka