Bhaiphonta, Bhratri Dwitiya, Bhai Dooj, Yama Dwitiya (if you are in South India), whichever name you choose to give it, this traditional celebration of the bond between brother and sister has long been an integral part of India's festive calendar. And since a picture does
Nearly two decades ago, as a nervous young reporter, I was assigned to do an interview with Soumitra Chattopadhyay, my first meeting with him. Because he had very little time to spare, he asked me to ride in his car, so we could finish the
Goddess Kali has been conceptualized and expressed in myriad ways by artists. Songs of piety praising her various facets are galore in Bengal as do artistic expressions, depicting her divinity. It is difficult to zero in on when and how the worship of Goddess Kali
Spinach Omlette: Spinach is full of iron and is a great veggie. Just toss it in your omlette batter and make a yummy omlette, topped with some chopped coriander leaves. Serve it as a great snack to guests. Bhindi and mushrooms: Just stir fry chopped bhindis
A large number of British landscape artists started coming to Kolkata during the last quarter of 18th century with the increasing involvement and political dominance of East India Company in Indian affairs. Minimal financial prospects of landscape painters in Britain, the stories of easily-won fortunes
Guptipara is a small ancient town, some 80 kilometers from Kolkata (Calcutta), on the Bandel-Katwa railway line. Guptipara sits beside the Bhagirathi river and was once a citadel of Vaishnavite culture. Even today, residents observe Ras, Dol and Ratha-Yatra, which is Guptipara’s greatest festival. It
‘Posto’ (poppy seeds), a Bengali favourite around the world, remains untouched by modern culinary experiments. In Bengal, the white poppy seeds are much loved, and used in plenty of preparations. Synonymous today with a perfect ‘Bengali’ meal, especially when teamed with biuli or urad dal,
Atiśa Dīpankara Śrījñāna, (982–1054) , the renowned Buddhist religious leader and master from Bengal was one of the major figures in the spread of 11th century Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism in Asia and inspired Buddhist thought from Tibet to Sumatra. He is recognised as one
This year Durga Puja has been different. In all senses. Even the Calcutta High Court judgement barred rituals like Sindoor Khela and Pushpanjali that for centuries have been a part of Durga Puja. However, if one goes deeper into the context of Sindoor Khela, one
When your Puja ends, theirs start. This is Khadimpur village, 12 km away from Raiganj town in North Dinajpur district. The village starts their traditional Balaichandi Durga Puja on the night of Vijaya Dashami. Around 7,500 members of 1,500 families living in the village start