Iris Farina

Small businesses during COVID-19: Sink or Swim?

In 1996, Nandan Children’s Fashion had set out to change the scene with readymade stylish children’s wear that did not burn a hole in the wallet. With options for various sizes and exclusive designs, the name Nandan has been essential for those looking for a set of trendy children’s clothes.

4y ago

In cheese we trust!

The block of dairy goodness known as cheese is a delight in every way for the foodie. Sliced, shredded, melted or just nibbled on its own; there is no end to the possible combinations of enjoying cheese.

4y ago

Week2: Getting into the flow

With roughly two-third of Ramadan ahead, it’s the perfect time to do some essential tidying up and have a look at the things you have or need to buy. There is nothing worse than leaving things for the last week and ending up with a hodgepodge of activities.

4y ago

5 things to help your mind in trying times

The Covid-19 pandemic is changing the world as we know it, and every day is becoming more difficult than the last one. The uncertainty and the change ensuing from it have simply crept up in a short amount of time, and are truly too much to take on for anyone.

4y ago

In the right state of being

The year 2020 is not shaping out to be in the world that we wanted — within just three months of the year, it has been one soul-shaking wakeup call after another, environmentally, politically, and health hazard-wise.

4y ago

Vanishing boundaries of digital privacy

Your only recollection is that a few days ago, you had exchanged a text with your friend about getting together for a quick morning chat. From that single exchange of information, the ever-helpful and always-listening ubiquitous virtual assistant has set up a new routine, without giving away much to let you know of the steps it has taken.

4y ago

The food franchise story

You don’t need to have a marketing degree to understand why an international food franchise will work (or slump in cases). Pricing, food quality, placement, delivery services, and above all — the voice of the people, are all it takes. After all, novelties wear off over time, but the great food always remains, be it a local eatery or a multi-storeyed, high-tech food place!

4y ago

Meet Bangladesh

It was not that long ago when travelling just meant going to one’s ancestral homes. Then again, there were not many options available for families or friends during the long stretch of Eid and Puja holidays. The denizens of the upper echelon had the opportunity to go overseas, but even they were a handful in number.

4y ago
October 16, 2018
October 16, 2018

The deity's nine avatars

Durga, the goddess who symbolises shakti, or power, is worshipped in this season as she visits the mortal plane to bless her followers. Yet, this is not her only form. From the legends and words of scholars, we find there are nine avatars of Durga, better known as Navadurga. These nine avatars are worshipped over the nine nights of the Durga Puja (aptly named Navaratri) mainly in various regions of India.

October 16, 2018
October 16, 2018

Mandap the residence of the divine

For the typical eye, it is easy to picture crowds of devotees lining up and crowding around Ma Durga during the auspicious autumnal festivities. A glimpse and a prayer to the divinity that visits this mortal plane once every year to cleanse off the dreadful, the dreary, and the disturbing — the figure that stands in all her ten-armed glory, riding the lion with a defeated Mahishashur.

September 26, 2018
September 26, 2018

Many happy returns, Alpana Habib!

The 'happy home cook', Alpana Habib is turning over a page in her life as she celebrates her 52nd birthday today.

September 20, 2018
September 20, 2018

A beacon of hope from Pekua

The strength of youth has a universal presence of energy that can dispel any atrocity if channelled properly. Its omnipresence can be felt anywhere and Tanema Afroja from Pekua, Cox's Bazar proved this to be so.

September 11, 2018
September 11, 2018

A tale of tea - from Bangladesh for the World

From ramshackle tin-shed stalls everywhere to the houses with two swimming pools, you will hardly find a place that is not familiar with the steaming cup of goodness known as tea. Although preparations and preferences differ vastly as more and more brewing recipes are popping up, you can be sure that everything starts with the unmistakable tea leaves.

August 7, 2018
August 7, 2018

From the farm

Just about every neighbourhood has it; the huddle of people, especially in the early weekend mornings, making it impossible to miss, not to mention the acrid smell accompanied by the never disappearing blood stains- yes, it's the neighbourhood butcher shop we are so very used to.

August 7, 2018
August 7, 2018

A word on Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer is one of the top three cancers worldwide, and there are many reasons that would account for the increase in incidence of this particular cancer.

July 31, 2018
July 31, 2018

Safe, Clean, and Hassle-free Qurbani

The season of sacrifice is less than a month away and this time it's on the rainy edge of monsoon. Those who will be going to the 'haat' are already preparing for yet another muddy encounter. Then are the post-qurbani formalities and clean ups, all wedged within a week.

July 10, 2018
July 10, 2018

In the kitchens of Finger Lickin' Good!

Picture this - a global fried chicken joint, with all the trims of the place, packed with people enjoying their time. You go up to order, and naturally take a peek behind the cashier. The part of the kitchen/prep-area is visible, but not all of it. You wonder what really takes place. Is it possible to actually take a look?

July 10, 2018
July 10, 2018

Gustatory tourism

Call it 'Travelling for Food' or 'Culinary Tourism,' the meaning remains the same. Kashtan Habib, an advertising personnel, who loves food and travelling, weighs in on this by saying, “I guess these are all different terms for the same concept - food travel.