Cafe Shanchayita's 'Cha Chakra'

Founded by fashion designer, artist, social worker and eco-thinker Faiza Ahmed, Manas, a contemporary fashion house, pays tribute to the likes of Rabindranath Tagore, George Harrison, Jibanananda Das, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Matisse, and Fakir Lalon Shah through its designed pieces. Faiza also describes herself as a tea enthusiast.

Every month, Faiza, through some special and creative arrangements, aims to entertain people and provide them an opportunity to relax and have a good time with their family and friends. So, she and her team host programmes at Cafe Shanchayita, a teeming and buzzing place at the fashion house for enjoying some good tea, food and music.

Recently, Cafe Shanchayita welcomed a keen crowd at its beautiful and cosy premises in Banani for the latest edition of its Cha Chakra, an evening of music and conversations over special tea, in the month of Ashwin. Manas has earlier hosted six of these Cha Chakras. “As an artist, I feel a sense of responsibility to provide something that would meet the varied cultural, recreational and creative interests of people,” says Faiza. “So, our Cha Chakra is a modest effort to provide our guests an evening to cherish and figure out things that they enjoy.”

Singer and composer Tanvir Alam Shawjeeb enchanted everyone with some melodious tunes during the evening. On the other hand, the audience clapped along with emerging band Gonje Fereshta's renditions of Kotoi Rongo Dekhi Duniyay from Heerak Rajar Deshe, Tagore's Tumi Robe Nirobe and Dolchhut's Ami Tomakei Bole Debo.

Earlier in the month of Srabon, Girikarnika Tea (butterfly pea flower tea) was served to the guests at the Cha Chakra. This time, the tea of choice was Golden Turmeric Tea. Possessing the colours of autumn, this tea is known to be one of the healthiest ayurvedic drinks. The mint leaves as well as the mouth-watering puris, kebabs and laddoos served alongside the Golden Turmeric Tea complemented it well. People had a relaxing time at the Cha Chakra, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.