Jolshiri fields turn into a vibrant hub for ‘Winter Wellness Fest’

The fifth edition of Flow Fest, titled “Winter Wellness Festival”, transformed the open fields of Jolshiri into a vibrant hub of wellness, creativity and community engagement, bringing together people of different ages for three days of outdoor activities, conversations and music.

Held under the campaign “Dhaka, Let’s Go Outside”, the festival opened on Thursday at Fortis Platinum Lounge in Jolshiri. It marked the first time Flow Fest was organised beyond Gulshan and also served as a soft launch of the venue.

Going beyond the conventional festival experience, Winter Wellness was designed as an interactive educational platform where visitors could explore different approaches to healthier and happier living. 

“If someone comes for a concert or a picnic and leaves having discovered a new practice, a new friendship, or simply the courage to ask for help, then we have achieved something meaningful,” said Flow Fest founder Shazia Omar. “Wellness should not be a luxury. It should be a way of life, accessible to everyone.”

The opening day welcomed visitors of all ages, including school students, who explored six interactive zones featuring Zumba, yoga, fencing, boxing, painting, origami, storytelling and mental health discussions through open Shareapy circles.

Morning activities included Zumba with Inaya, yoga with Zahra, animal yoga with Faria and gardening with Dhaka Jungle. Students also participated in cartoon drawing with Tanmoy, storytelling and upcycling workshops presented by Summit Corps in collaboration with Chitro Karkhana.

The afternoon featured classical dance by Kalpotoru, Ish’s Soul Groove, combining breathwork and mindful movement, portrait drawing with Ohama, creative writing, boxing with Sanjida and hula hoop sessions with Sina.

Speed Friending offered solo visitors an opportunity to connect with others, while Nashid led a Shareapy session with Men’s Table, focusing on the pressures men face and the importance of seeking support.

Music brought the opening day to a lively close, with Baul performer Porosh taking the stage at 4:00pm, followed by Dhaka rock band Nemesis, led by vocalist Zohad Reza Chowdhury, at 5:30pm.

Friday’s programme featured yoga, art, mat Pilates, a teen writing workshop and talks by Dr Armaan and Don Sumdany. Rickshaw art and a stand-up comedy performance by Amin Hannan added to the afternoon activities, while Cassette performed in the evening.

On the final day today, SYM Society’s Morning Groove, the Uni Footy Tournament and Flow Corporate Challenge lead the programme from 10:00am. Women’s self-defence at 1:00pm, Purple Poetry at 3:00pm and Literary Talks with Shazia Omar are among the day’s highlights. TUI is scheduled to close the festival with a performance at 5:30pm.

Throughout the event, Flow Market features wellness brands, thrift shops and food stalls, alongside new launches Bare, Blossom and Bhorta Bros.