The atmosphere of this city has already taken up a festive spirit as Dhaka prepares to celebrate one of the country’s major holidays, Durga Puja. Bangladesh is a melting pot of numerous different cultures and religions. This is one of the most beautiful things about Bengali culture. No matter which background one is from, there is always a festivity or holiday to celebrate all year round. Thus, as the season of fall comes around, so does Devi Durga’s time to come home, and for Hindus to celebrate Durga Puja. Each year the festivities seem to get bigger and brighter, as…
Arnob – story of a musician, a boy and a magic by Tahmid Islam Arnob, you have most likely heard of him, if you’re a young, middle aged, old or just simply a person residing in any corner of Bangladesh and enjoy listening to music. You probably even have some of your favorite memories or a time in your life where Arnob’s music has helped you pass your time. Something about the chords that Arnob uses and the voice that he sings in just enraptured you in a way nothing else can. Such is the magic of the musical genius…
A Tiny Best Friend: It seemed like 17th July 2021 would be like any other day, when I had gone to visit my grandmother’s house. But, upon arriving, I was introduced to two tiny creatures. My aunt had found these two kittens, soaked in the rain, and without any sustenance. One of these two screaming banshees was to be under my care, and who is now a primary source of my happiness. He was too tiny for his age, filled with fleas and other health issues. But, he had the most beautiful eyes, that were blue like a starless midnight…
Kalni : My heart wasn’t on my mouth, rather my feet and waist were crying out. The traveler in me would just not listen, so I went on. On the back of a 125 cc motorbike, into the harshlands of Sunamganj. I wasn’t riding that little old Japanese gem, it was my colleague who was doing that thankless job. For 2 days, 15 hours and over 300 km… roads, no-roads, boat, bamboo bridges known as Shako‘s, held our destiny with aplomb. The roads, aah well, that is why I went there. No, not to build them or break them. Rather to…
We Bengalis love our Monsoon. The beams of water pours making us youthful just like a freshly watered old dusty tree leaf. For us a rainy day became so important that it had to be in our curriculum with a must essay called “Memories Of A Rainy Day”. After the hectic , hot, melting Summer, Monsoon comes to revive. Monsoon lasts from mid June to mid August in Bangla calendar .. “আষাঢ় থেকে শ্রাবন”. This season has played a huge part in our Bangla literature by celebrating romance, clouds, rains and the emotions surrounding dancing to the melody of rain.…
[ A week in the land of the thunder dragon ] If you have read the previous blog on basics of going to Bhutan, you already should know the practical details of the preparation. As you fly, make sure your driver is ready at the airport, if not, you can hire a car from the airport like any other country, do not fret. Our trip was a week long leisure trip, that prioritized only on, how I want things to be. The trip had wild adventures, leisure cafe hangout and people watching, visiting the important places and above all lots…
[ Guide to Bhutan ] I have been planning to travel to Bhutan at least for past 4 years. Somehow, as time doesn’t match I kept on postponing it. This year I was adamant, and went on without my husband and with my son. Bangladeshis have visa on arrival system in Bhutan, hence no need to apply for a visa. But take a print out of hotel reservation, passport size photo and a xerox of your passport just in case. They didnt ask for any information at the immigration for me and my son. Though, as per the standard law,…
[ Gems of Old Dhaka ] Old Dhaka is always the best part of Dhaka. That part of the city is 400 years old. Historic sites, scrumptious food, antique stores and diverse culture makes this part of Dhaka unique. Mesmerizing old Mughal and British era architecture, heritage food corners and busy narrow roads melt my heart. If you have only few hours to spare I suggest set out for a walking adventure in the narrow streets of old Dhaka. The hustle and bustle, the untidy roads will at first make you uncomfortable, but once you get the hang of it,…
[ The Corner Courtyard ] I have been meaning to write on my Kolkata visit early this year, on Bangla Hues for last 3 months. Whenever I am sitting down, thinking to write about it, I end up writing something else instead. I really don’t know why I couldn’t finish it yet. I guess actually there is nothing to write about the trip in general expect for the food adventures we had (which will be another post). It was essentially a shopping trip that I planned for a long time with my best friend. Initially it was only me and…
[ Stitched dreams… ] Bangladesh is a tropical country, with a mild winter and humid summer. In the northern side, the winter is stronger than the rest of the country. The span of winter is also very little. Thus the use of heavy blankets is limited to only few days of the year. Rest of the year we use Katha. Katha is a light sheet made of 6 to 8 sarees together. Making katha is an art like American quilt, only difference is, we didn’t market it as we should have. The art of Katha could have been a national…





