Traditions treasured, artisans in shadows: Is UNESCO's recognition truly benefiting local craftspeople?
On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?
1d ago
Crafting majesty: Tasleema Alam's royal commissions and her love for Islamic art
From gracing the majestic walls of mosques to the pages of intricate manuscripts and beyond, the appeal of the Islamic art form has persisted over centuries and captivated many. The beauty and depth of this art form attracted Tasleema Alam – an artist, designer and educator – who recently designed an Afghan carpet for His Majesty King Charles III.
1d ago
Unmukto Library invites you to read under the open sky
When we talk about libraries, what image first comes to our minds?
4d ago
Coke Studio Bangla’s ‘Tati’ celebrates Bangladeshi weavers
If you are a devoted listener of Coke Studio Bangla, chances are you may not have missed its Season 3 opener, “Tati,” — a song that celebrates not just the music, but the very soul of Bangladeshi craftsmanship. Released under the creative direction of Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, the vocalists include Md Gonjer Ali, Oli Boy and the evergreen Jaya Ahsan.
5d ago
Eid in Dhaka: The city’s top 5 celebration spots
Are you looking for the spirit of Eid celebrations in Dhaka? Here are the top 5 spots.
1w ago
Meet the achar artisan of Dhaka: Mohammad Siraj's culinary journey
If you are an urban explorer of Dhaka, the achar carts — found in different alleys and gullies of the city — would not be something surprising for you. However, if you haven’t been to Gulshan 1 DNCC Market yet, unfortunately, you have missed a vibrant emissary of tradition and taste, thanks to the variety of achar he sells.
1w ago
Achar chronicles: From sun-drenched rooftops to digital marketplaces
For different people, the word achar — the South Asian term for pickles — evokes different memories. Some revel in the memory of seeing their mothers or grandmothers sitting in the courtyards with jars of achar.
1w ago
Woven with love: Choosing deshi and sustainable this Eid
As we gear up for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, there’s this beautiful buzz in the air filled with anticipation and a spirit of giving. We can — with the intention of not just looking good but doing good — support our local artisans. By buying deshi and adopting ethical practices that promote sustainability, we can not only benefit our immediate community but also contribute to the broader well-being of our country.
2w ago
April 18, 2024
Traditions treasured, artisans in shadows: Is UNESCO's recognition truly benefiting local craftspeople?
On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?
April 18, 2024
Crafting majesty: Tasleema Alam's royal commissions and her love for Islamic art
From gracing the majestic walls of mosques to the pages of intricate manuscripts and beyond, the appeal of the Islamic art form has persisted over centuries and captivated many. The beauty and depth of this art form attracted Tasleema Alam – an artist, designer and educator – who recently designed an Afghan carpet for His Majesty King Charles III.
April 16, 2024
Unmukto Library invites you to read under the open sky
When we talk about libraries, what image first comes to our minds?
April 14, 2024
Coke Studio Bangla’s ‘Tati’ celebrates Bangladeshi weavers
If you are a devoted listener of Coke Studio Bangla, chances are you may not have missed its Season 3 opener, “Tati,” — a song that celebrates not just the music, but the very soul of Bangladeshi craftsmanship. Released under the creative direction of Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, the vocalists include Md Gonjer Ali, Oli Boy and the evergreen Jaya Ahsan.
April 10, 2024
Eid in Dhaka: The city’s top 5 celebration spots
Are you looking for the spirit of Eid celebrations in Dhaka? Here are the top 5 spots.
April 8, 2024
Meet the achar artisan of Dhaka: Mohammad Siraj's culinary journey
If you are an urban explorer of Dhaka, the achar carts — found in different alleys and gullies of the city — would not be something surprising for you. However, if you haven’t been to Gulshan 1 DNCC Market yet, unfortunately, you have missed a vibrant emissary of tradition and taste, thanks to the variety of achar he sells.
April 8, 2024
Achar chronicles: From sun-drenched rooftops to digital marketplaces
For different people, the word achar — the South Asian term for pickles — evokes different memories. Some revel in the memory of seeing their mothers or grandmothers sitting in the courtyards with jars of achar.
April 4, 2024
Woven with love: Choosing deshi and sustainable this Eid
As we gear up for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, there’s this beautiful buzz in the air filled with anticipation and a spirit of giving. We can — with the intention of not just looking good but doing good — support our local artisans. By buying deshi and adopting ethical practices that promote sustainability, we can not only benefit our immediate community but also contribute to the broader well-being of our country.
April 3, 2024
Experiencing fatigue and headaches after iftar? Dr Maisha Nishat Alam explains why
Ramadan — a month that calls for fasting from dawn till dusk — which, while fulfilling, can sometimes leave you feeling like you're running on empty, fatigued, and nursing a stubborn headache. Ever wondered why?
March 31, 2024
The charm of deshi motifs on Eid tableware
Central to the celebration of Eid is the scrumptious spread of food and it is that time of the year when the choice of tableware plays a subtle yet significant role. Desi motifs and designs ¬– nakshi kantha, Jamdani – with their intricate patterns and vivid hues, tell tales of heritage and craftsmanship have evolved over centuries.
X