Mannan Mashhur Zarif

Embracing the chaos: The art of creation

Creative blocks mirror nature’s barren phases, yet chaos and stillness birth inspiration. True creativity resists control, flowing from instinct and emotion. In its wild, sacred moments, we connect deeply—with self, soul, and the art of becoming.

1m ago

A wall’s eye-view diary of a neighbourhood

Every locality in this city has stories, and none seem to speak louder than the anecdotes shared by walls! Case in point: Shantinagar! Having lived here for over four decades, I am no stranger to the tales they offer, and curiously, these narratives are ever-changing.

1m ago

Old Dhaka Weddings: Of flavours and traditions

In Old Dhaka, kachchi biriyani has emerged as the quintessential wedding dish

2m ago

Shakrain: Kites and tastes of Old Dhaka

Shakrain is now observed by the entire community of Old Dhaka

2m ago

Rashid Choudhury: Weaving magic into Bangladesh’s art scene

Rashid Choudhury revolutionized Bangladeshi art by pioneering modern tapestry, blending Bengal’s cultural heritage with European techniques. His vibrant, symbolic works redefined artistic boundaries, inspiring generations and transforming textile art into a powerful medium of national identity.

3m ago

An Eid lunch to remember

Kumkum Rahman grew up in Dhaka. As part of the generation of the ’70s, she has recollections of a relatively quaint city, free from the hustle and bustle of the present day. Among her most treasured memories are those of Ramadan in the metropolis, but what remains etched in her heart is the joy of Eid in a bygone era.

3m ago

Abahani vs. Mohammedan: The football rivalry that defined a generation

Back in the day, the Abahani-Mohammedan rivalry was as fierce as Real Madrid-Barcelona

3m ago

Why I will always love the month of Ramadan

Ramadan holds a special place in the heart, rooted in childhood memories of fasting, reading, and spending time with family. The sacred month provides a chance for reflection, reconnecting with loved ones, and appreciating life's simple, meaningful moments.

4m ago
January 16, 2018
January 16, 2018

When M F Husain comes to town

In the last 14 years, Galleri Kaya, one of the leading art galleries in Bangladesh, has arranged almost a hundred shows. As organisers of various art trips, camps and workshops they are also active in promotion of Bangladeshi art.

December 12, 2017
December 12, 2017

Speed

For those growing up in postcolonial times, there was no escape from the tumultuous events that unfolded before them. Not a witness to the savagery of the Second World War, but of a world polarised as its direct result, Shahabuddin

December 12, 2017
December 12, 2017

Lungi

I rested comfortably on the back of the chair at the auditorium, as a live streaming of 'epic rap battles of history' unfolded before me. And interestingly enough, it got me thinking. Hmmm…tradition; comfort; assimilation of culture; lungi!

October 9, 2017
October 9, 2017

The post throughout the ages

Philately can be a useful means of garnering revenue for the postal department and can also provide young people alternatives to engage themselves in beneficial pursuits than the ills that now surround society at large.

July 21, 2017
July 21, 2017

The enduring charm of 'potchitro'

For nine generations the Acharya family has depicted rural Bengal in their scroll paintings in a dream-like setting, where life was simpler but in no way easy.

February 24, 2017
February 24, 2017

The colours of our lives

The paper lanterns keep flying higher, and higher still; the flame beneath, propelling the 'phanush' creating a mesmerising display of colours in the sky - a fiery burst of yellow, seen through the translucent mesh of thin coloured papers.

February 21, 2017
February 21, 2017

Bangla at the crossroads of recognition – a philatelic narrative

The 1940s was a turbulent time in the Indian subcontinent; shortly after the end of World War II, the peoples' demand for freedom was ever high and division of the land between Pakistan and India seemed inevitable.

December 16, 2016
December 16, 2016

The postal tax that helped millions

For netizens of the time, postage stamps are mere remnants of history. Almost every Bangladeshi, 30 and above, will recollect fond memories of this collecting pursuit and their prized stamp album, but to the younger generation philately no longer bears any special meaning.

November 29, 2016
November 29, 2016

Just married!

Out of my dreams and into your arms I long to fly I will come as evening comes to woo a waiting sky. Out of my dreams and into the hush of falling shadows, When the mist is low and stars are breaking through Then out of my dreams I'll go Into a dream with you.

November 15, 2016
November 15, 2016

What's in a shoe?

If you thought Cinderella has footwear issues, ask any Bangladeshi bride frantically passing her days in a shopping spree; to her there