“In the 1980s, Kolkata’s fashion scene saw a wave of inspiration from Shantiniketan’s batik alpana. This led to the creation of ‘Ranstitchl’—a style where women’s sarees and outfits were crafted with intricate stitching on a single piece of cloth. ‘Kantha stitch’ sarees became popular, promoted
If tourists have always romanticized the divine ghats of Varanasi, there are those who have turned a blind eye to the ghats of Kolkata. They are steeped in history as much as the ghats of Varanasi, built by various zamindars centuries ago as private bathing
We have all grown up listening to that powerful Rabindrasangeet — a song that speaks of rising above fear and self-doubt, of discovering strength within and winning over life’s challenges. While many of us simply heard it, only a rare few truly live by its spirit. Pritikana Jana,
March 13, 1892. It was the night of the full moon, the day of Holi. Ambikacharan Goho’s eldest son, Ramcharan Goho’s wife gave birth to a son. When she looked at the new-born, she exclaimed, “Oh! The baby looks like a lump of cowdung (Gobar)!”
In the life of Bengalis, the charm of the Bangla Calendar during Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) has faded. Our own calendar is no longer part of daily life. Except for a few traditional events like weddings, sacred rituals, or some small businesses, most people don’t feel the need for Bengali
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETybCQV4ShE There are a few people in this world who are remembered beyond a century of their birth. Yes, we do remember the dark chapters of history, be it Hitler and the holocaust or the Hiroshima Atom Bomb and even General Dyer of Jallianwallah Bag. We
Natore is a peaceful and picturesque location in the Rajshahi district of North Bangladesh. The place is not just famous for its Rajbari, but was made immortal through the pages of Jibanananda Das’ poems. Who can ever forget Natorer Banalata Sen? But this area is
Long before the internet personalized entertainment into solitary corners of mobile screens and binge-watch sessions came to Bengali households, Sunday evenings used to share a collective ritual every week in the living room…sitting with everyone in the family with tea and pakora and a flickering
The Hooghly Imambara carries a living story of devotion, history, and architectural nuances that is beyond a mere monument. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River in West Bengal, this impressive edifice holds a rich history from the Mughal period. It stands today as a symbol of
If you happen to visit Bengal in the last month of the Bengali calendar you will often see Gajon Sanyasis begging from door to door, asking for alms and food-grains. Clad in a simple robe and some with body adorned in ash, while some having faces covered