“All art is autobiographical. The pearl is the oyster’s autobiography,” said renowned Italian film director and screenwriter, Federico Fellini. Pearls have inspired people for ages with their timeless appeal. These treasures from the sea have also invited some unusual and profound comments from people who have
With the rhythm of the monsoon, memories of Bengal’s most cherished fish, Ilish (Hilsa), come alive on the plate through timeless recipes. The hilsa catch in Bengal and Bangladesh reaches its peak as the skies get darker and the rivers rise. From Kolkata to Khulna, every Bengali family
Jhargram is often called the heart of Junglemahal. This district of West Bengal is blessed with the spellbinding beauty of nature. The red laterite roads, forests of sal, mahua, jarul, and pial trees, countless species of birds, bears, rabbits, and deer—all together create a breathtaking kingdom
Bharatpur is a small village in Galsi, on the left bank of the Damodar River, seven kilometres southwest of Panagarh railway station in the East Burdwan district. The area is surrounded by undulating plains and elevated mounds. Recently, the Kolkata Circle of the Archaeological Survey
Birbhum, the land of red soil, has long been known as Rabindranath Tagore’s workplace, Tarashankar’s birthplace, the Kopai River, Sonajhuri Haat, Shantiniketan, Tarapith, and Kankalitala—but now a remarkable new chapter is being added to this legacy, as tea cultivation has recently begun in Sriniketan, an initiative undertaken by
Sombhu Mitra, an eminent Bengali theatre personality I still remember that particular day. It was a time when I had just completed my Masters in English. My friend, philosopher, guide and teacher Samik Bandopadhyay wanted me to join Bohurupee Theatre Group. Inspired by him, I went
Je raate mor duarguli bhanglo jhorey… Only Debabrata Biswas could bring out the pain and the spirituality of this song through that god-gifted voice that is still the best seller. Biswas’ music was notable for its exceptional depth of emotional expression combined with an exploration
The light raindrops of Sraban fall to the ground, dancing with the push of the cool breeze. The cloud-laden afternoon has made the tranquil environment of Ballavpara Ferry Ghat in Katwa even more nostalgic. Passengers keep coming and going from the opposite bank to this side,
In 1922, Rabindranath wrote: "Phire chol matir tane / je mati añcal pete cheye achhe mukher pane" (Return by the call of the soil / The soil that spreads its lap, waiting to face you). Through this song, Tagore repeatedly wanted to express the innermost stirrings of
There are times when the very sight of food puts you off and everything looks dull and bland and you really can’t figure out what exactly you want to have, then perhaps you could try out a unique food. But you need to brace yourself