M H Haider

7 ways to enjoy Eid at your ancestral home as a grownup

Eid is a time to break free, to an extent, and to grab the opportunities of sheer fun and amusement your gram er bari offers.

2w ago

The origins of haleem

When was the last time you spent an entire month of Ramadan without eating haleem at least once?  This food has indeed survived the test of time!

3w ago

Usual suspects and the debatable: What are your favourite iftar items?

The dining table during iftar is often crowded with delicacies of all sorts. The assortment includes traditional iftar items and not-so-traditional items which may even border on eccentricity that leaves others questioning about your taste (and sanity). Call it "iftar cuisine" if you like, as an iftar spread is a whole different genre of food altogether!

3w ago

The Dhaka Gate Cannon: Secrets of Bibi Mariam

Around a couple of months ago, the age-old Dhaka Gate near Doyel Chattar was unveiled to the public upon its renovation. If you visit the Gate, now in renewed glory, you are bound to see an imposing artefact in its premises -- a cannon called Bibi Mariam.

How did Chawk Bazar's iftar market become so famous?

This hints towards a monopoly Chawk Bazar enjoyed in the olden times. 

Poneer with tea: An old Dhaka favourite

Poneer-flavoured tea? How about bits or slices of poneer in your tea? The concept may not be all that surprising for many people these days, as just a few years ago various teashops and brands tried to popularise this almost as a novelty.

Old traditions of Ramadan moon sighting

People used to gather at Ahsan Manzil, Boro Katra, Choto Katra, and Hussaini Dalan to spot the crescent moon.

Why every child deserves a cousin like Feluda!

Discover the Enduring Legacy of Feluda: Satyajit Ray's beloved detective series continues to enchant audiences, with its charismatic protagonist, Felu, and his youthful sidekick Topshey. Drawing parallels to Sherlock Holmes, Feluda's adventures inspire curiosity and admiration, much like real-life figures such as the author's cousin, Russell. Despite societal misgivings, Russell, like Feluda, nurtured a thirst for knowledge and exploration. Through literature and personal anecdotes, the article celebrates the timeless appeal of childhood heroes, advocating for every child to have their own Feluda-like mentor.

October 29, 2023
October 29, 2023

A forgotten history: The Prince who dethroned Dhaka as a capital

His tenure in Bengal began in 1639, and a curious footnote would be that he actually stripped Dhaka of its status as a Mughal capital, shifting the seat of government to Rajmahal (a place now in India).

October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023

Lighting up Dhaka: The first electric lights in our city!

In the late 19th century, some of the streets had oil lamps, and there was also an announcement by Ahsanullah to introduce gas lamps. 

October 22, 2023
October 22, 2023

Tales of the Dhakeshwari temple: Mysteries, legends, and a city

The legend of unearthing the idol is traditionally ascribed to Ballal Sen, but it is doubtful whether this story talks of the renowned 12th-century king, Ballal Sen.

October 15, 2023
October 15, 2023

Remembering Marlon Brando’s Dhaka visit

Well, it’s a little late for that of course. 

October 12, 2023
October 12, 2023

Curzon Hall: Beyond Dhaka University!

Dhaka University was established in 1921, whereas the foundation of Curzon Hall was laid in 1904.

October 8, 2023
October 8, 2023

The Pogose legacy: An Armenian heritage in Dhaka

Now known as Pogose Laboratory School and College, operating under Jagannath University, it was founded as far back as 1848, by Joakim Gregory Nicholas Pogose, a rich Armenian businessman. 

October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023

The company that made horse carriages popular in Dhaka

When you see a carriage today in the capital, you probably think of it as a recreational ride or a vehicle by which bridegrooms arrive at weddings.

September 26, 2023
September 26, 2023

3 global travel vloggers reveal their stories

They have bragworthy numbers of subscribers and followers; they have those staggering numbers of likes and views — now, for their insights…

September 24, 2023
September 24, 2023

The bakharkhani types!

Bakharkhani in Dhaka mainly comes in three flavours. Perhaps, the most popular is the classic one. There is also a sweet twist to the classic bakharkhani, which is sometimes slightly harder in texture.

September 24, 2023
September 24, 2023

The Bangladesh experience: 3 global travel vloggers reveal their stories

Several foreign travel vloggers have visited our country, entertaining Bangladeshis and the rest of the world with their videos on our food, culture, sights and sounds, and people. Their vlogs never fail to create a buzz on YouTube and social media.

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