The ‘Nakshi Katha Marathon’ was held at Hatirjheel in the capital, bringing together
Bangladesh’s heritage, culture, youth and the message of healthy living. Centred on the
aesthetic appeal of Nakshi Katha and Bengal’s folk heritage, the marathon drew around
1,500 runners. The event began at 5am on Friday, with participants competing in three
categories—2km, 5km and 15km. The marathon was organised by NSU Runners, with
leading fashion and lifestyle brand Twelve serving as the title sponsor.
Runners began gathering at Hatirjheel before dawn, and the number of participants
gradually increased as the morning approached. Once the race began, the roads around
Hatirjheel came alive with an energetic atmosphere. Runners of different ages took part,
with a particularly strong presence of young participants. The event delivered a message of
healthy and active living while also bringing a traditional form of Bengali art, Nakshi
Kantha, before a new generation.
The central attraction of the event was its Nakshi Katha theme. One of the most
recognisable forms of Bengal’s folk culture, Nakshi Katha carries stories of people’s lives,
nature, emotions and cultural traditions through its intricate designs and stitches.
Traditionally created by the skilled hands of rural women, Nakshi Katha has long been an
important part of Bangladesh’s cultural identity and heritage. By incorporating this
traditional art form into a modern sporting event, the organisers sought to present Nakshi
Katha in a different and contemporary setting.
Twelve’s involvement as the title sponsor was also rooted in this approach. The brand
views fashion not merely as clothing, but as a medium for carrying and expressing a
country’s culture, heritage and creativity. With this belief, Twelve has incorporated Nakshi
Katha-inspired designs and artistic influences into several of its fashion collections. The
brand also joined the marathon to recognise the creativity and contribution of the artisans
and designers associated with Nakshi Katha.
Prizes were handed over to the winners at the end of the competition. For many
participants, however, the marathon was about more than simply competing in a race. The
event offered an opportunity to combine running, physical exercise and an active lifestyle
with a connection to the country’s own cultural heritage. The participation of a large
number of young people, in particular, created an opportunity to introduce them to Nakshi
Katha and encourage a renewed appreciation of the traditional art form.
Although the main marathon took place across Hatirjheel, the closing ceremony was held at
the Hatirjheel Amphitheatre. As part of the closing programme, members of NSU Runners
performed a colourful flash mob inspired by the Nakshi Katha theme. Combining dance and
music, the performance presented the essence of the traditional art form through a
contemporary medium. The cultural performance added a festive dimension to the event
following the marathon.
Another major attraction of the closing ceremony was a large-scale mural of football star
Lionel Messi, created by artist Mishu Sabbir. According to the organisers, the artwork is
currently awaiting recognition from Guinness World Records. The massive mural drew
considerable attention from participants and visitors at the venue. The initiative added
another dimension to the event by showcasing the creative work of a Bangladeshi artist
through a portrait of one of the world’s most recognised sporting figures.
Participants said the ‘Nakshi Katha Marathon’ was more than just a running competition; it
was a commendable initiative to showcase Bangladesh’s heritage and culture to the
younger generation.
They believe that connecting the country’s traditional heritage with
modern lifestyle activities such as sports and physical exercise can help increase young
people’s interest in their own culture. At the same time, such initiatives can create
opportunities to present Bangladesh’s folk art and creativity to a wider international
audience.
The event also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about healthy living while
encouraging greater interest in the country’s traditional arts.
As physical exercise and mental wellbeing become increasingly important amid rapidly changing lifestyles, there is also a growing need to introduce younger generations to their cultural roots in the face of globalisation. The Nakshi Katha Marathon sought to bring these two aspects together through a single platform.
Twelve said it intends to remain involved in initiatives that promote Bangladesh’s heritage,
culture, creativity and healthy living. The brand also expressed its commitment to
showcasing the diversity of local art and fashion on a broader platform while working to
introduce Bangladesh’s cultural heritage to an international audience.
From the early-morning run at Hatirjheel to the cultural performance at the amphitheatre,
the ‘Nakshi Katha Marathon’ brought together tradition and modernity in a distinctive way.
With around 1,500 runners, a Nakshi Katha-themed programme, a vibrant flash mob and
the display of a massive Messi mural, the event went beyond the boundaries of a
conventional sporting competition to become a celebration of Bangladesh’s culture,
creativity and youthful spirit.
