Dowel Biswas

Dowel is always thinking about a million things at once and writes to make sense of it all. Feel free to send her your thoughts at [email protected]

A city gasps, a park resists: Panthakunja protest redefines civic action

Panthakunja, located on Sonargaon Road, was once a rare oasis in the capital

1w ago

Post-July Shilpakala: The cultural spearhead needs to change internal culture

More than just a home for the arts, it has long been a custodian of collective memory, responsible for shaping a culturally enriched, humane Bangladesh, rooted in its historical context. Despite its undeniable impact in preserving traditions, amplifying artistic expression, and cultivating national identity, the institution has long been a target for political manipulation, corruption, and political parties’ quests to control the cultural conscience of the country.

1m ago

Bangaliyana marches on

Pahela Baishakh heralds new beginning

2m ago

Thousands gather at Ramna Batamul to welcome Bengali New Year

Thousands of Bangalees ushered in Bengali Year 1432 at Ramna Batamul on Monday morning, as Chhayanaut’s iconic Pahela Baishakh celebration marked its 58th edition with renewed hope, harmony, and heritage.

2m ago

Chhayanaut ushers in 1432 at Ramna Batamul with Raag Bhairav

As the sun rose over Dhaka, Chhayanaut’s Pahela Baishakh celebration for the Bengali year 1432 began at Ramna Batamul. The theme of Chhayanaut's Pahela Baishakh celebration this year is "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy" (my freedom lies in light). Through this theme, Chhayanaut aims to convey a message of hope, resilience, and renewal.

2m ago

The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration, resilience, and unity.

2m ago

Pahela Baishakh: Chhayanaut all set for celebrations

Chhayanaut is all set to celebrate Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh, with its iconic cultural programme at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka.

2m ago

‘Cultural healing’ and ‘inclusivity’ key in Bengali New Year celebrations as Ministry announces plans

Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.

2m ago
November 23, 2023
November 23, 2023

Theaterian’s Death of a Salesman: The tragedy of a common man is still relevant 

Theaterian’s first production and 14th show of the famous play brought about the torturous despair of existence and set the stage on fire with eclectic performances throughout its 2:30-hour run-time at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s National Theatre Hall on Tuesday.

November 21, 2023
November 21, 2023

Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: Still a long way to go?

Recognising the cultural construct of the state, Lubna Marium emphasises that any threat to culture hampers societal progress, national unity, and diversity. To address this, she has spearheaded the establishment of a comprehensive Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory (ICH) through Shadhona.

November 13, 2023
November 13, 2023

Humayun Ahmed and his quiet, subtle humanist stances

There is a great debate on his inclination towards choosing safer routes as a laureate; critics always said he downplayed his capabilities and did not utilize his literary brilliance on social and political instances much; rather, he opted for popular and contemporary content, a discussion popular among critics and fans alike.

November 2, 2023
November 2, 2023

Shah Rukh Khan, the man behind the silver screen

Shah Rukh Khan, the megastar of Indian cinema, ascended to superstardom with his blockbuster hits over the span of his three-decade-long career. Yet the superstar's unequivocal popularity cannot be defined by his substantial net worth or the movies that made him what he is today.

October 18, 2023
October 18, 2023

12th Annual Ganga Jamuna Cultural Fest concludes on a grand note

In an interview with the Daily Star, eminent cultural icon and convener of the Festival Committee, Ghulam Kuddus, mentioned, "Despite severe weather conditions, traffic congestion, and other issues, we received a positive response from the audience. Although our audience numbers were lower this year, those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the performances."

October 11, 2023
October 11, 2023

Ganga Jamuna theatre festival going strong

Ganga Jamuna Cultural and Theatre Festival tantalises the audience with a plethora of performances, dance recitals, and art. A massive crowd has greeted the festival every day up till now, and The twelve-day-long festival will still continue for six more days.

October 7, 2023
October 7, 2023

Ganga Jamuna cultural festival kicks off with splendour and zeal

One of the country's largest cultural initiatives, the Ganga-Jamuna Theatre and Cultural Festival, commenced with grandeur at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Friday.

September 26, 2023
September 26, 2023

‘Mrittika Mohey’: The homebound call of a travelling artist

The title of the art exhibition, “Mrittika Mohey”, by Karu Titas, signifies a homebound call of one’s root and the mystifying allure of it. It suggests that the destination is merely an illusion of completion, while the true significance lies in the journey itself.

September 12, 2023
September 12, 2023

Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay: Ray’s greatest creative inspiration

Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, the prodigal son of Bengal, remains an icon of breathtaking narrative style with a distinguished body of work. Today, on his 129th birth anniversary, this article revisits the instance when the author met the brilliant Satyajit Ray for the collaboration that weaved and shaped itself in the history of Bengal’s art and literature.

September 11, 2023
September 11, 2023

‘Music connected us both’

Rahul Ananda concluded on a serious note, “I don't actually know. I am just doing my work. Some of my work takes me to places, into some people's minds and lives, and that’s how I connect to people myself, spiritually and philosophically. That is the wonder of music and life for me, and I feel that is what connected us both.”