Essentially a research-based, artist-run, non-profit organisation, Brihatta Art Foundation has worked in Dhaka for quite some time. With an objective to integrate locals in community development, they have given the people of Hazaribagh greater accessibility to art and culture.
I went to the Lalbagh area last Saturday to finalise an interesting project for My Dhaka readers (stay tuned), but this business meet-and-greet was unlike any I had ever attended or conducted.
An artistic mind finds inspiration even in the mundane details of life. It makes the ordinary extraordinary. The smell of frying omelettes, the stirring sound of the spoon in a teacup, the sight of a mother oiling her daughter’s hair, or an old man reading a newspaper -- any of these can spark a fancy in their mind.
This year’s Pahela Baishakh celebrations will be lacklustre, as many pundits suggest.
Experiencing a “kalbaishakhi jhor” inside the mangrove forest of Sundarbans can be both a spine-chilling experience or a romantic one.
As Ramadan concluded at the end of last month, beckoning the arrival of Eid festivities, there was a lot of buzz on social media regarding “Eid gifts”.
The last two days before the grand Eid day are packed with frenzied fuss about anything and everything.
Tailors typically enjoy star status at this time of the year. Besides your regular tailor, who takes your bespoke orders for dresses; there are tailors for upholstery work, who are no less busy and sought after now.
Last Friday, I was strolling through Mohini Mohan Das Lane in the nostalgic neighbourhood of Farashganj in Old Dhaka. I love the old architecture of the area, and often go on such random excursions whenever I need to unwind.
Recently, taking a complete U-turn from the usual vegetable bazaars, I decided to check out the indigenous vegetable shops in town. I love to shop for leafy greens and fresh vegetables, and I can never resist the tag of an organic farmer’s market and jhum cultivation produce from the hills.
Our Dhanmondi office was a typical posh eighties two-storied house, with a manicured lawn and an annex building for the kitchen and other service quarters.
During the recent protests, the amount of people demanding to rebuild our country again were many. For good and bad, a lot has changed for Dhaka and its residents since then, and a new chapter in history was written. Just as the nature of any revolution, it was achieved through bloodshed and mindless atrocity.
The energetic happy canines of the campus tag along with the students’ procession or any congregation and go beyond their known territory.
This feeling, and sense of protection continue in every part of Dhaka. The entire city is pulling all-nighters and having a ball while at it. Dhaka is a crazy kind of fun city; we know how to make light of all dark situations and give them a happy spin.
A casual walk around a park in the evening has a charm of its own.
Situated in the old neighbourhood of Segunbagicha, near the lush Ramna Park, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has always been the go-to place for theatre, exhibitions, and cultural programmes. It is the National Institute of Fine and Performing Arts and a cultural hub in Dhaka.
“Cha ar biskoot” (tea and biscuits) is Bangalee’s favourite quick grab. And strong and flavoursome tea is our favourite. Looking for premium tea in Dhaka can be a tad difficult now but once the city boasted dedicated shops that sold different grades and blends of local tea.
A series of unfortunate incidents began just the day before Eid holidays started.
