Wara Karim

Scent of spring: Songbirds, cherry blossoms, and warmer days

To me, birdsongs are the harbinger of spring. I know the season is about to arrive in Delaware because after a series of unusually frigid mornings, which lasted from December through February, cheerful chirping of red-breasted robins, blue jays, and chickadees has now filled the morning air.

1w ago

Ramadan away from home

Bangladeshi diaspora spread across the globe: how they miss and observe Ramadan away from home

1m ago

Turks and Caicos Islands: Postcards from paradise, voices from the shadows

The Turks and Caicos Islands, a tropical paradise of stunning beaches and luxury resorts, mask a troubling reality. Beneath the glamour, black migrant workers face exploitation, low wages, and harsh living conditions, sustaining the islands' tourism industry.

2m ago

When neither option feels right: Bangladeshi Americans and the 2024 US election dilemma

Bangladeshi Americans face a dilemma in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, torn between dissatisfaction with major parties over issues like Gaza, inflation, and healthcare. Many now consider third-party options, hoping to spotlight overlooked concerns.

5m ago

Non-resident Bangladeshi voices in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement

Bangladesh has recently witnessed extraordinary times. In July 2024, what began as a student movement demanding a restructuring of the government job quota system escalated into a countrywide mass movement for equality, justice, and democratic freedom.

7m ago

The importance of trees in Dhaka’s concrete jungle

Overurbanisation has destroyed the trees of Dhaka, leaving Dhaka dwellers in an environment where the air is too toxic to breathe in. Land clearing has made the already-hot summer season hotter and prolonged.

10m ago

Table manners 101: Dining etiquettes explained

Table manners are important because in a civilised society, poor dining etiquette can create a poor impression of you at social gatherings and social business situations. Even when you are eating at a restaurant surrounded by strangers, table manners are important, because you do not want to irritate others with your poor manners or invite stares from patrons sitting at the next table.

1y ago

Cashmere: Soft, luxurious, sought-after

Cashmere is the world’s most sought-after fabric during the winter season.

1y ago
October 22, 2023
October 22, 2023

Revisiting childhood: A spectacular circus experience that is Cirque du Soleil

If you are wondering what ‘contemporary circus’ is, well, unlike ‘traditional circus,’ ‘contemporary circus’ rarely uses animals but relies on music, theatrics, and mechanics to give a memorable experience to their audiences.

October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023

A guide to hair salon etiquette

As a woman who has to visit the beauty salon every 8 to 10 weeks because her layers grow faster than she wants, there are a few things that I have learned and taught myself over time about salon etiquette. They have always saved me from the agony of leaving a salon with a sad face and a bad haircut.

September 10, 2023
September 10, 2023

Letting your stress be swept away by ocean waves

Try to plan one trip to the beach every year. Do some careful financial planning, save up, and set aside three to four days (the more, the better) from your work schedule to spend time at the beach, because an annual beach getaway is absolutely worth it.

August 21, 2023
August 21, 2023

The power of a cup of tea

Every morning, a cuppa prepared in deshi-style is what most Bengalis crave no matter what part of the world they live in.

August 14, 2023
August 14, 2023

Consequences of climate change on gardening

People who grow crops and those who garden are often the first ones to sense any climate changes. These people also watch these changes first-hand because they spend a considerable amount of their time in and with nature.

April 8, 2023
April 8, 2023

The joy of sharing during Ramadan and Eid

A joy shared is a joy doubled! Eid-ul-Fitr is around the corner, and there are so many little ways by which we can share the joy of Eid and live up to the true spirit of the festival. 

March 25, 2023
March 25, 2023

Why you should not waste food during Ramadan

Growing up, we were taught that wasting food was a sin. Every bite of food was valued in our culture, so we always heard our elders say that not even a grain of rice should go to waste. However, various factors have changed the way we once thought and behaved, resulting in a Bangladeshi society where a large number of people struggle to make ends meet while some citizens have access to more food than they can consume.

March 25, 2023
March 25, 2023

The power of Zakat during an economic slowdown

Zakat or almsgiving, which is the third pillar of Islam, refers to a Muslim’s annual obligatory donation to charitable causes if they have or own certain types of wealth. One may wonder why one must share their wealth with others. The straightforward answer to that is, Zakat is the right of the poor. As a wealthy Muslim, if you want to ‘purify’ your wealth, paying Zakat is the way.

February 19, 2023
February 19, 2023

Benefits of reading Bengali literature

In addition to all the cognitive benefits associated with reading, reading in your first language has plenty of other benefits, including knowing about your country and countrymen in the language of the land.

January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023

Make your kid’s winter holiday memorable

Most schools are closed because of the winter vacation, and this is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your children. There are plenty of things that you and your family can do within the country, the city, and even in the comfort of your home without breaking the bank!