Planned around the spirit of the July Uprising and honouring the ‘unsung heroes’ known as private university students, RevFest 2025 was an initiative with a clear agenda. Hosted at Aloki on August 5, the festival was more than just entertainment; it was a celebration of youth, revolution, and art, fuelled by immersive creativity and infectious energy.
The organiser, Bobby Hajjaj, spoke directly to the guests during his opening speech, “We are here to celebrate private university students in particular, who have played a major role in the revolution yet haven’t received the appreciation they deserve.”
Besides a live concert featuring several renowned bands, the event took in innovative business ventures, transforming the marketplace into an artistic gallery. Vendors displayed a wide range of expressive, handmade products. There were vegetable-dyed ensembles, hand-painted silk sarees, rickshaw-art-themed jackets and coats, city-special notebooks, bangles wrapped with traditional-printed fabrics, beaded jewellery, coconut-shell ornaments, customised perfume rollers, bedsheets, blankets and pillow covers stitched with nakshi katha and many more.
Faria Islam, owner of a 6-year-old jewellery enterprise named Mehwish, thinks today’s youth have taken a keen interest in fusion-accessorising styles. When asked about her thoughts on the existing art culture of Bangladesh, she shared, “The July movement deepened awareness and acceptance amongst youngsters; consequently, the demand for local jewellery has been increasing.” She further added, “I believe my products reflect the value of the movement and I want to move forward with this.”
Another exhibitor, Mahia Tabassum, 26, founder of Candela, put forth a similar perspective. “The candles I create, using unique flavours and ingredients, can also be used as showpieces. My clients are mostly repetitive, which I feel explains for the most part.” According to her, people seem to be more art-conscious than they were before and are quite eager to test out handcrafted products.
Even though the crowd wasn’t massive, the collective enthusiasm filled the air. “This gathering has rekindled a sense of unity, with everyone joining for the same purpose, to pay the long overdue respect to the students and honour their unquestionable contribution,” said Ozaire, one of the guests.
Unlike a conventional art exhibition, RevFest stood out with its liveliness. The space alight with vision, artistry and zeal.
