Desk Report:
‘The Flow Fest’ is set to take place in Dhaka for the fifth time, aiming to promote the message of a healthy and beautiful lifestyle to a wider audience. The three-day event will be held from November 12 to 14, 2026, at the Fortis Platinum Lounge, located in Jalshiri, Dhaka. Centered around the theme ‘Winter Wellness,’ this event will also serve as the soft launch for the new outdoor venue, Fortis Platinum Lounge.
Shazia Omar, the founder of ‘The Flow Fest,’ has spent the last four years organizing wellness initiatives based on four core pillars: physical well-being, mental peace, creativity, and social connection. This year, the event expands beyond the confines of Gulshan, reaching out to a broader segment of Dhaka’s population to share the concept of a healthy lifestyle. Under the theme ‘Dhaka, Let’s Go Outside,’ the event promises a unique experience for participants, set amidst green fields, open skies, and a natural environment.
According to the organizers, ‘Winter Wellness’ is more than just a festival; it is a participatory initiative designed for learning about holistic well-being, sharing experiences, and cultivating positive daily habits. The event will feature discussions, workshops, and hands-on sessions covering topics such as nutrition, rest and physical recovery, women’s health, workplace wellness, meditation, yoga, fascia stretching, lymphatic drainage, energy healing, and stress management.
With over 25 years of experience as a yoga instructor, Shazia Omar has curated this event, drawing inspiration from global yoga festivals and the philosophies of traditional ashrams. In her view, wellness is not a luxury—it should be an accessible lifestyle practice for everyone. A healthy society can be built by fostering open discussions about mental health, seeking help when needed, and strengthening social bonds with one another.
The three-day festival will feature a variety of activities focused on physical and mental well-being, including yoga, meditation, sound healing, martial arts, dance, and fitness challenges. For children, there will be storytelling, drawing, arts and crafts, group singing, and fun physical exercises. Additionally, poetry readings, open-mic sessions, and various creative performances will add vibrancy to the festival.
Musical performances will also be a major highlight. The popular band ‘Nemesis’ will perform during the closing segment of the opening day, while ‘SYM Society’ is set to perform on Friday morning. Furthermore, ‘TUI’—a collaborative musical project by Namrata and Mehsam—will present a fusion of classical and electronic music. Open-mic sessions will be hosted by ‘Cassette’ on Friday and ‘Project Dhaka Creative’ on Saturday.
A key attraction of the festival is the ‘Flow Market,’ where a wide range of items—including wellness products, personal care goods, fashion, home decor, food, artwork, and handicrafts—will be showcased and sold. Local entrepreneurs, thrift shops, and emerging brands will also participate. New additions include ‘Bare and Blossom,’ offering clean and safe products for babies, and ‘Bhorta Bros,’ serving traditional pantha bhat (soaked rice) and bhorta (mashed vegetable/protein dishes). Various NGOs and social organizations will also be involved, working to raise awareness about mental health, inclusivity, and social connection.
The event offers an opportunity to spend time with family and friends in an open-air setting, featuring activities like picnics, horseback riding, and yoga amidst nature. The organizers hope that this festival will allow city dwellers to reconnect with nature while gaining a fresh perspective on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and mutual support.
According to the organizers, the daily entry ticket is priced at 350 BDT, while a three-day pass is available for 850 BDT. The ticket includes access to the concert and workshops. Admission is free for children under five years of age. Complimentary shuttle transport will also be available for visitors from designated locations.
Those interested can register via The Flow Fest website at theflowfest.com/winterflow. Further details can be found on Instagram at @theflowfestglobal.
