PThe Indian knowledge-based social media platform Dialoguein is a relative newcomer to the digital world. And yet, it is already preparing to launch its first virtual international event, the ‘Dialoguein Global Bengali Lit-Fest’, supported by Bongodorshon.com and The Bengal Store, from May 6-8, featuring more
PThe Dark Goddess Kali is not just another idol depicting a religious fervor --- rather it is all about meeting of cosmic energy of the universe sending her divine power and blessings. That’s why this aggressive feminine form was popular even in 19th century Kolkata,
WHunger finds a prominent place in three films by Satyajit Ray, reflecting three completely different backdrops, though hunger is a significant sub-plot in all three narratives, each one a ‘period’ piece in a manner of speaking. One is Pather Panchali, the second is Goopy Gyne
Rapping (also rhyming, spitting, emceeing) is a musical form of vocal delivery that incorporates ‘rhyme, rhythmic speech, and street vernacular’, performed or chanted in a variety of ways, usually over a backing beat or musical accompaniment. The recent Bollywood film Gully Boy directed by Zoya
Of all the residents of Dhaka, 99 percent are from various corners, districts, villages, and towns of Bangladesh. On the first meeting, the commonest question is, ‘So where do you come from originally?’ I’ve heard elderly people in Kolkata say the same thing about the
আমার জন্য একটুখানি কবর খোঁড়ো সর্বসহা লজ্জা লুকোই কাঁচা মাটির তলে- গোপন রক্ত যা-কিছুটুক আছে আমার শরীরে, তার সবটুকুতে শস্য যেন ফলে। O earth, dig a small grave for me Let me hide my shame under the raw soil– Whatever secret blood is in my body, Let every ounce ripen the grains. Our
Farha Khatun was only 10 when she first heard of ‘triple talaq’ (the Islamic practise of instant divorce by the husband saying ‘talaq’ thrice). It was a summer morning, and one of her aunts had come visiting their home in Medinipur. “She was very disturbed
Sibtainbad Imambara. Not a very familiar name even in its native Kolkata, leave alone the rest of India, which is unusual for one of the few surviving remnants of an unforgettable chapter in the city’s history. An edifice which was created in the likeness of Lucknow’s
On May 10, 1902, The Gramophone and Typewriter Limited, Germany, established their office at 8/02 Dalhousie Square, Calcutta. Their recording engineer, William Fredrick Gaisberg sailed for India and arrived in October, 1902 with the newly found technology of sound recording and reproduction. Little did he
This is a story that goes back more than 20 years. With no satisfactory ending in sight as of now. And World Heritage Day (International Day For Monuments and Sites, to give it its proper name), celebrated every year on April 18, is a perfect