At every turn and streets of Bangladesh, you will find a vividly decorated Rickshaw. These three wheeled vehicles are actually the main mode of transport for millions. Have you ever wondered how these brightly coloured and elaborately decorated vehicles are made? Or how did they even come about? Rickshaw art actually dates back to as old as the 1950s. So you see, Rickshaw art is actually older than you!

The unique canvas

The entire framework of a Rickshaw is considered to be a canvas by the artist. They decorate it with a variety of eye catching colours and images ranging from flowers to patterns to popular movie scenes with great precision and detailing. In fact, even the hoods are decorated with a myriad of colourful streamers, tassels and plastics. For special occasions, for example when using Rickshaw as a prop in weddings, it is also extravagantly decorated with flowers. The artists try their best to make do with whatever they have available which results in a gorgeously decorated rickshaw.

Words from a professional

Rickshaw art impacts the livelihood of not only Rickshaw pullers but also Rickshaw artists. Most of the renowned artists are graduates from Charukola, one of the most prestigious art universities in Dhaka.

One of the most distinguished Rickshaw painters include Syed Ahmed Hossain. He received an invitation from Japan for his amazing Rickshaw art which lead to his popularity. He has also participated in several international art exhibitions, showcasing his talent in Italy, France, America and Nepal. He was born in 1965 and currently lives and works from his home in Old Dhaka. He sells his art online and his target customers are mainly tourists. Since his childhood, he has always loved painting. He actually started painting since he was seven years old!

Advance in business and attraction 

The reason why these are made so exquisitely is to attract potential riders. You see, not only are they for aesthetic purposes but also to increase the livelihood of Rickshaw pullers by being eye catching enough to get farers. Rickshaws actually concern the livelihood of thousands of Bangladeshis who rely on pulling a Rickshaw to feed their families 

Now, these beautiful arts have also made it on an international level and are attracting tourists with its traditional uniqueness and colourful beauty. Tourists travel specifically to Old Dhaka to order customized Rickshaw art merchandise. During the ICC International Cricket World Cup 2011 Championship, Bangladesh used a Rickshaw for the opening ceremony which lead to a massive influx in the number of tourists attracted to Bangladesh.

This traditional street art has slowly morphed its way into our culture and heritage. In fact, due to these pleasing Rickshaw arts and the huge number of Rickshaws, Dhaka was able to obtain the nickname “Rickshaw capital of the world”. Therefore, it directly impacts the economy of Bangladesh by attracting even more tourists with this appealing title. 

Nowadays, rickshaw art is no longer limited to rickshaws. It has a number of different merchandise with the art being done almost everywhere. These range from cloths, house utensils, phone covers, laptop mouse and pad, motorcycle helmets and many more things being used as a canvas by the artists.

Effects of Modernization

In the recent years, the amount of Rickshaws and Rickshaw artists has decreased drastically. Even though it is still an important mode of transport, the amount of people using Rickshaws has become significantly less. Though this does not impact the economy of Bangladesh much right now, but in a few years, Rickshaws may not be used at all. This means, the traditional Rickshaw art might actually be lost in the annals of time.

Did you know that a few decades ago there was actually a profession of Cinema Poster Art in Bangladesh? Due to advances in technology, this art was actually lost, this is because, instead of painted posters, printed posters started gaining popularity. Similarly, right now, Rickshaw art is under the same crisis of getting lost forever due to modernization. 

As a part of Bangladesh, let’s work together to protect and preserve this beautiful art from becoming a part of our history.

Edited By: Safa Anmol Nusaiba

Written By: Rifa Tasfia Rahman