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

1m ago

Shakrain: Kites and tastes of Old Dhaka

Shakrain is now observed by the entire community of Old Dhaka

1m 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.

2m 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.

2m 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.

3m ago
July 28, 2024
July 28, 2024

Challenges and the way forward: Journalism in times of crisis

Without even realising it, we have witnessed a shift in how news is being consumed. Just like a change in our preference for morning beverages, from tea to coffee, our primary sources of information have also gone digital, a shift from conventional print media to the World Wide Web!

July 13, 2024
July 13, 2024

Evolving Identity: The changing face of Dhanmondi

The place has a chequered history. Compared to other areas of the city, Dhanmondi still retains its residential character to some extent, despite being home to commercial enterprises, educational institutes, restaurants, hospitals, diagnostic centres, and rising apartments.

July 11, 2024
July 11, 2024

Rain or shine, keep your glow: Monsoon skincare hacks

Hot and humid, the Bangladeshi monsoon can create havoc on your skin. The merciless heatwave that we experience even in the rainy season makes the skin vulnerable to increased secretion from sebaceous glands. This makes the skin appear oily; dry skin becomes rough and patchy.

July 4, 2024
July 4, 2024

Confessions of a donkey enthusiast

A casual Google search started it all. Apparently, the number of people “killed” by donkeys is greater than the number of lives claimed in plane accidents annually!

June 10, 2024
June 10, 2024

Battle for the cattle

If you think buying a cattle is difficult, try bringing it home from the market!

June 3, 2024
June 3, 2024

An ode to Jaishtha

On any given Jaishtha or high summer day, fruit vendors ply the streets of the city selling delicious seasonal fruits. Jaishtha -- the second month of the Bangla calendar, is also called “mishtimash” or “madhumash” because of the wide array of fruits available during this time. It is as if the season compensates for the discomfort of the hot and humid climate with the sweetness of deshi fruits.

May 23, 2024
May 23, 2024

Are you eating right this summer? A nutritionist’s guide to healthy diets

In the sweltering heat of a Bangladeshi summer, our bodies crave something different. Rather than sticking to our usual diet, one needs to bring change in their food habits.

May 22, 2024
May 22, 2024

Beauty straight out of fairy tales: Why we can’t stop loving the moon

One does need a dose of romance — even a dash of lunacy perhaps — to appreciate a full moon night, but to those who eagerly wait to behold nature’s symphony, it is an ethereal experience.

November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023

Mourning in silence: Why men grieve differently

Unlike women, men often tend to grieve in silence. They prefer to be left alone or try to lose themselves in diversions like work or jumping into getting involved in new relationships.

October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023

Every day is Wife Appreciation Day

Truth be told, I had no idea Wife Appreciation Day was an occasion to celebrate. Despite constant reminders on social media by media houses that it was “the day” to honour the significant other, and pretty much every married man on my friends list showering their love for their better halves on Facebook, I decided to let the occasion pass.