Dhaka doesn’t have a city square per se, but places like Shahbagh and areas around Motijheel serve as a sort of one.
The atmosphere at Safiuddin Shilpalay in Dhanmondi was electric on the evening of May 2 as the newly founded art collective called Choukaath inaugurated its first group exhibition.
Art studios and exhibitions are great storytellers. We often say that a picture is worth a thousand words. In that sense, any sort of visual art has a lot to say. Brihatta Art Foundation’s exhibition, called “Paal”, has that same essence.
A multisensory exhibition, titled “Where the Spirit Meets the Bone”, is currently on display at Satori Academy of Arts in the capital’s Banani. This striking exhibit attempts to explore the many layers of human emotions -- from personal wounds to global issues, intimate loss and grief of rediscovering inner self -- through an interplay of sensory cues like touch, sound, or scent.
Once upon a time in Dhaka, telephone operators and postmen were the most revered service providers, especially for a young adult in love or an elderly parent residing in any mufassil town.
Often, on my way to the office from Dhanmondi to Mohakhali, I pass through at least three or four major traffic signals -- the stubborn standstill at Dhanmondi 27, the long, impatient pause at Khamarbari, and the inevitable gridlock at Farmgate.
A 'katra' is essentially a caravanserai — a traveller's inn of sorts. It was established around the mid-17th century.
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.
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”.
Eid in Dhaka is a time of vibrant celebrations, heartfelt reunions, and, for many, the perfect opportunity to capture and share the city’s festive spirit on Instagram.
The last two days before the grand Eid day are packed with frenzied fuss about anything and everything.
Four centuries ago, the Muslim population of Dhaka was relatively small. However, the arrival of the Mughals precipitated a shift. These individuals brought their own culinary staff, ensuring the availability of familiar fare.
Dilkusha garden house was built in 1866 by Nawab Khwaja Abdul Ghani
The sky glows in soft pink, blending into the gentle waves while a cool breeze fills the air with serenity. Sitting on the only boat floating in the middle of the Buriganga, preparing ourselves for iftar, it’s not hard to get lost in the beauty of the moment.
But did you know that he was a man of literature as well?
I have read somewhere that the best part of iftar is sharing the moment with your family, although not everyone is lucky enough to spend the month of Ramadan with loved ones.
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.
The artistes were illustrious not just in our city; their repute spanned throughout the Mughal Empire in general.
