Childhood Eids and Musical Memories of Rafiqul Alam

Veteran singer Rafiqul Alam has been captivating audiences for decades with his melodious voice, earning acclaim both nationally and internationally. His contributions have significantly enriched Bangladesh’s musical heritage, and even today, he remains actively engaged in the music scene.

In a recent conversation, Rafiqul Alam fondly reflected on the Eids of his childhood. “I spent most of my childhood in Rajshahi, where our family home is located,” he recalls. “In the city, there is a well-known area called Sagorpara. At that time, five houses stood there, all belonging to our extended family.”

He elaborated on the family dynamics: “We were four brothers and two sisters. Including our cousins, there were 21 members in total. During Eid, we naturally became a large group. We never needed outsiders to create fun and excitement—we generated all the joy ourselves.”

Eid Traditions and Childhood Activities

When asked about his favourite childhood Eid activities, he smiled and said, “Flying kites was our main pastime. One of my cousins could make kites, so preparations began well before Eid. After the Eid prayers, we would rush out to fly them and spend the day enjoying ourselves.”

New Eid clothes were an integral part of the celebrations, though Rafiqul admits he never chose them himself. “My father would take me to the tailor and select the fabric. That’s how my outfits were made. Those memories remain truly unforgettable,” he said.

Interestingly, the custom of giving Eidi—money gifted during Eid—was absent in his paternal home. “We didn’t have that tradition in my family,” he explains, “but it was practised at my maternal grandparents’ house. Receiving Eidi then was a great joy. Now, of course, I am the one giving it—whether I want to or not,” he adds with a chuckle.

Yet reminiscing about those childhood days can bring a touch of melancholy. “I try not to dwell too much on nostalgia,” he notes quietly. “It makes me feel slightly heavy-hearted, which is why I do not always revisit those memories.”

Current Plans and New Musical Release

This Eid, Rafiqul Alam will celebrate with his family in Dhaka. On the professional front, he is preparing to release a new song. The composition is by Foad Nasser Babu, with lyrics penned by Moniruzzaman Monir. The track will premiere on a popular YouTube channel and will also be broadcast on a private television network.

Rafiqul Alam expressed satisfaction with the project: “It has turned out to be a very beautiful song.”

Rafiqul Alam: Childhood Eid Overview

Through both his music and cherished memories, Rafiqul Alam continues to bridge the joy of childhood Eids with the cultural richness of Bangladesh’s music.