Except for a few forms, folk art has always concerned itself with a definite purpose of its object, be it a lamp or bell or utensil. Articles having certain utility, gain an aesthetic dimension in the hand of the folk artist who meticulously infuses the
Imagine a firangi on the streets of London deftly whipping up your favourite Jhaalmuri! A closer look relates his story of how Scotsman Angus Denoon had picked up the art of making this tangy Kolkata street food from the city itself. Fifty-nine-year old Angus had
The state government is putting special emphasis on Alchiki script of Santhali language. Now Alchiki has been introduced in primary education and teachers have been recruited to teach students in this language. Two teachers of Santhali language will be appointed in each of the 145
Remember the last time you paid a visit to the holy site of Tarapith? The premises would be full of flowers and belpata offered to the deity by the worshippers. The piles of flowers and leaves when rot give off a terrible odour. The authorities
These days kindness seem to be a rarity. Caught in the web of life, we have lost the ability to empathize and feel for others. But still there are exceptions. Partha Chowdhury of South Kolkata, is a toto driver whose kindness and selflessness enables us
Ever heard of Hilsa or Bengal’s Ilish being reared in a pond? As monsoon knocks at our doors, every household in Bengal will celebrate their love for food through Ilish dishes and restaurants through Hilsa festivals. We all know that this fish is a delicacy
It was in Malda of Bengal a couple of years ago that children were found dying from a brain swelling that doctors thought were related to consuming litchis. Litchis maybe a popular summer fruit, but this year again more than 100 children have died consuming
Kollolini Kolkata… the regular cacophony, noise pollution and even well lighted alleys are no more a safe place for ghosts and spirits to inhabit. Yet, this 300-year-old city still holds the breath of the supernatural in nooks and corners. Take for example the sprawling National Library
A lot has been said and written about Kolkata and its very own dada, Sourav Ganguly. The madness and love of the Bengali community for Dada has always been unconditional. He belongs to us and he is our ‘cricket’ man. But what about MS Dhoni?
World’s greatest magician Harry Houdini almost a century ago had popularized a magical treat where he tied his hands and legs and in a cage went under water, then he escaped from the cage and swam ashore. This was the very trick that Kolkata’s magician