Folktales are an important branch of folklore. They are usually created orally by rural, often illiterate communities and passed down from generation to generation through memory and storytelling. The English term folk tales broadly refers to all types of such traditional narratives. In Bengali, stories commonly called rupkatha or fairy tales resemble what English literature calls fairy tales, though not all of them involve fairies. Instead, they often feature magical kingdoms, demons or monsters, heroic princes who accomplish impossible tasks, rescue distant princesses, and receive supernatural help. In German, such tales are known as Märchen. In Bengal, famous collections of…
Bangla Batik prints represent a unique fusion of tradition, craftsmanship, and modernity. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions of Bangladesh and West Bengal, Batik has a rich history that dates back centuries. This intricate dyeing technique has evolved over time, blending cultural heritage with contemporary trends. In this article, we will explore the origins, techniques, cultural significance, and modern adaptations of Bangla Batik prints. Bangla Batik Prints Historical Origins Ancient Beginnings The art of Batik is believed to have ancient roots, with evidence of its practice dating back over 2,000 years. Though its exact origins are debated, it…
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…
[ 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…
[ Durga Puja Festival ] I am a person who enjoys every festival that takes place on earth. In Bangladesh, we get to celebrate the Muslim and Hindu festivals more. Durga Puja Festival is something that makes me happy instantly. When I was young my maternal grandmother’s house used to be in old Dhaka, a place called Hatkhola. There was a school called Narishikkha Mandir just beside my cousin’s house. As the boundary wall was half broken we could always go to the school without any permission. Especially on Puja days we used to go and enjoy the festivities. Old…
Adibasi is a term used for all the heterogeneous set of ethnic and tribal groups considered to be the indigenous population of Bangladesh. Adibashi people live mainly in the hill tracts of Chittagong belt also they live many other plain land areas of the country. There are about approx. 40 groups of Indigenous communities in Bangladesh. They cover almost two percent of the total population. According to the government statistics the total number of Adivasi is 12,05,978 which is only 1.03 percent of the total population. The name of the indigenous communities are; Bawm, Chak, Chakma, Khyang, Khumi, Lushai, Marma,…


