Highlights
- Abdur Razzak, aged over 90, has been making kites for more than 50 years.
- Known as “Guddi Dadu” in Rangpur, he continues to spread joy among children.
- Kite-making once supported his entire family financially.
- Now he makes kites as a passion and to preserve memories.
- His work keeps a fading cultural tradition alive.
In Rangpur, an elderly man riding a bicycle is a common sight around Central Road. But he is not just any ordinary old age man he is lovingly known as “Guddi Dadu.” His real name is Abdur Razzak, and for over five decades, he has been making handmade kites, bringing smiles to generations of children.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Kites
According to his national ID, Abdur Razzak was born in 1932, making him over 94 years old. Despite his age, Guddi Dadu still sits with bamboo sticks and colourful paper, carefully crafting kites with his own hands. He expressed,
“এটা শখের বশে করি আরকি। এখন তো আর অত টাকা লাগে না। ছেলেরা আছে, তারাই দেখাশোনা করে। আমি শুধু সময় কাটানোর জন্য আর স্মৃতি ধরে রাখার জন্য এটা করি।”
Translation: “I do this as a hobby now. I don’t need much money anymore. My sons take care of things. I do it to pass time and to hold on to memories.”
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Journey from Bihar to Rangpur
Razzak’s roots trace back to Bihar, India. He moved to Rangpur with his father in 1946 and never returned after the partition. In his early years, he ran a biscuit bakery. It was there that he first started making kites after being inspired by schoolchildren who visited his shop.
What started as a simple experiment soon became his profession. His kites became popular because of their quality they flew smoothly and stayed balanced in the air. During peak seasons, he would make thousands of kites, which were sold to wholesalers from different areas. His wife shared that their entire family was supported by the income from kite-making, helping them marry off সন্তানরা and manage household expenses.
A Source of Nostalgia for Many
For many in Rangpur, Razzak’s kites are part of their childhood memories. Residents recall buying kites from him for just a few annas and flying them in open fields. His “Shapla” brand kites, along with unique designs like snake kites and large decorative ones, were once extremely popular during festivals like Pahela Baishakh.
Although he no longer depends on kite-making for income, Razzak continues the craft out of love. He usually keeps a few kites ready and sells them at affordable prices. Children still visit him, calling him “Guddi Dadu” and asking for kites something that brings a smile to his face even today.
Preserving a Fading Tradition
Experts say kite flying is an important part of Bengali culture, though it is slowly disappearing due to urbanization and lack of open spaces. Even so, during festivals, people return to this tradition—thanks to individuals like Abdur Razzak, who continue to keep the spirit alive.
Source: Prothom Alo
