7 Summer Essentials you must have in your bag
7 things you should have in your bag to make summer days a bit more bearable.
Travel
Wanderlust on two wheels: Musdaque’s expedition across 10 countries
While the allure of the unknown beckons the adventurous spirit within us, only a few capture the essence of exploration like cross-country motorcycling. Riding through the heart of Asia, Musdaque Chowdhury, and his partner Maliha Chowdhury, embarked on a 197-day journey traversing 10 countries.
Rain in UAE: 9 Dhaka-bound flights cancelled
A total of nine flights bound for Dhaka from the United Arab Emirates were cancelled today due to the heaviest rain ever recorded in the Middle East country
5 most beautiful mosques in Europe
Europe has a fascinating connection with Islam. The Islamic past of the region leaves a footmark which is traceable even today to the observing tourist. Although we associate mosques with prayers, the splendours of many of the European architectural marvels often leave us awed.
Food & Recipes
Light and delicious: Shrimp recipes for summer
Summer brings with it clear skies and dazzling sunshine, but more often than not, it also alters our taste preferences. Light, zesty, and herby recipes seem to taste better when the sun’s up and shining. Thus, here are 4 shrimp recipes to try for you this summer, so that you may savour delicious food while you beat the heat!
A tale of two polaos: Ilish and Kaju polao recipes
Dive into a culinary adventure that’s as rich in tradition as it is in taste, just in time for your Eid meal prep! First up, we’ve got the Ilish Polao, a dish that’s a love letter to the monsoon-fed rivers of Bangladesh, where the silver hilsa fish turns a simple meal into a feast for the senses. Then, we switch gears to the regal Kaju Polao, where each bite is a crunchy, nutty surprise that promises to add a dash of opulence to your dining table.
Inviting children over for Eid? Try out these delicious recipes!
Often the most discerning critics, children can present a challenge when it comes to meal planning, especially during festive occasions like Eid. To ensure your celebration is a culinary success, it's essential to craft dishes that appeal to their tastes.
Soupy Korean Kimchi Noodles: A fusion delight
Imagine a bowl of those perfectly spicy, raving with the flavour of Kimchi, garnished with your favourite treats. Ready to make this lip-smacking bowl? Come on, let's cook!
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.
Health & Fitness
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?
Meditation for all: A beginner’s guide to mindful living
If you are a beginner who is wondering whether meditation is for you, the good news is that meditation is for everyone, regardless of their age, socioeconomic background or vocation in life. Meditating regularly makes one more receptive and open, thus enhancing the way one experiences life.
5 habits to avoid for better oral health
With our lives being so busy all the time, it’s easy to overlook the little things that can make a big difference in maintaining a dazzling smile. So, before you brush off your oral care routine as ‘good enough,’ let’s dive into the top five no-no’s that might be doing a number on your teeth.
The ideal workout schedule during Ramadan by fitness coach Nazia Hassan
Ramadan may present a unique set of challenges for those trying to maintain or start a fitness routine. With fasting from dawn until sunset, the absence of food and water intake during daylight hours can make it difficult to decide the best time to exercise. Nazia Hassan, a celebrated fitness coach and nutrition expert, offers her invaluable insights into navigating these challenges — ensuring that our spiritual journey and fitness goals align harmoniously.
#Perspective / Building a healthier Dhaka: Why understanding women’s health benefits us all
Back in the day, discussing the health issues of women was nothing short of a taboo. A serial offender would have an easier time getting a break than someone who openly discusses topics ranging from menstrual cramps to pregnancy woes. This phenomenon was not only confided within your household; it was a global one, and unfortunately, remnants of this taboo still linger in our society today.
Nutritional trend 101: The truth behind popular diets
With a surge in awareness about the impact of food on our wellbeing, people are turning to diets not just to look good, but also to feel good. In the ever-evolving landscape of nutritional science, fad diets such as Intermittent Fasting, the Keto (Ketogenic) diet, and the GM diet, among others, have garnered noteworthy attention for their promises of rapid weight loss and health improvements.
Seasonal flu: Essential tips to protect your family
With individuals coming down with the flu left, right and centre, it is natural to be concerned for the safety of our close family and friends, especially the elderly, young children, and pregnant women. And you know what they say – prevention is better than cure. Let us take a look at the measures you may take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Healing together: Influencers unite for mental health and wellness
Not often can 20 young and well-known influencers be seen disconnecting from the digital world and engaging in guided yoga and meditation sessions along with immersing themselves in heartfelt conversations and forging bonds that transcend the superficial. Thanks to Dhaka Flow, a unique gathering unfolded on 29 and 30 January, 2024 at the lush greenery of Seagull Resort and Spa Village in Tangail.
Life & Living Multimedia
Navigating Dhaka's Eid shopping scene on a budget
By now, many have already spent a good chunk of their time shopping for friends and families. After all, can you put a price on the smile of your loved ones after gifting them their Eid dress?
My Dhaka / Comrade, give me a cup!
Yet, the tiny, yellow-walled tea stall attracts customers like bees to flowers. “Comrade, give me a cup,” is how they ask for tea.
The colourful cauliflowers of Bangladesh
Instead of the regular old white cauliflowers - you can now have cauliflowers that are red, yellow, pink, or purple.
Shankha Dasgupta: Meet the genius behind Guti
Shankha Dasgupta is the genius behind Guti, and anyone who has followed his work over the years knows precisely how exceptional he is. The much-anticipated show, Guti, came out on Chorki in January, leaving the viewers binging.
Despite charging fees, needs of passengers neglected
<p>Terminal fees are being imposed on passengers travelling to India. However, there are currently no provisions for the use of restrooms at the Benapole International Passenger Terminal. </p><p>Find out more in today's Star Newsbytes</p>
5 interesting things you did not know about Atif Aslam
Best known for his songs written for Pakistani and Indian cinemas, Atif Aslam's distinctive smoky voice and vocal belting style are enough to make us swoon and tug at our heartstrings.
Eid & Chill? 5 Binge-worthy comedy shows to keep you laughing
This Eid, you can ditch the post-meal awkwardness in the living room by embracing the glorious world of OTT platforms. So, settle into your spots on the couch before someone else takes it, and get ready to binge-watch these 7 hilarious shows and movies that will have you snorting laughter.
Preparing your living room for Eid celebrations
To ease this delightful quest, here are some tips and ideas to bring your living room to life for the upcoming Eid!
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.
Eid recipes all around the world
If you are looking beyond polao and korma for the Eid-day luncheon, the following recipes will serve as blessings. Curated especially for you, the recipes come from diverse sources — from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. So, let the flavours go soft on your palate as we present these recipes from around the world.
Fruitful delights: Easy-to-make recipes to round out your meals
Dive into a culinary journey that’s as refreshing as a dip into a cold pool on a hot day with these delectable recipes that promise to beat the heat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your Eid get-together or just indulge in some homemade comfort, these recipes are your ticket to a deliciously authentic experience.
Fading traditions, rising innovations: The story of Bangladesh’s rural kitchens
From traditional setups to ones full of modern amenities, the evolution of the rural kitchen in Bangladesh reveals an interesting narrative.
The salon visits before Eid: A hilariously tragic tale
Although this tends to happen in almost every salon visit, the festive season brings out the best of their rather unconventional selling methods.
Eid as an excuse to reconnect?
Whether it’s a friend or a family member, why not use Eid as an excuse to catch up? Let bygones be bygones and move forward with a fresh start.
Bata shoes for every look
Ever been to a shoe store and thought, “If only I could find that perfect pair of shoes in one go?” Fortunately, Bata, with its diverse and extensive collection, offers solutions for every attire, making it the go-to destination for all your footwear needs.
Ways to help birds beat the summer heat
Just as much as the summer heat exhausts us, our feathered friends are just as tired too.
From dance to cultural diplomacy: Sadia Islam’s inspiring journey
The Bangladesh Embassy in Portugal recently celebrated Pahela Baishakh for the first time in many years. Sadia Islam, planned the entire event along with H E Rezina Ahmed andalso choreographed an entire set of performances to show the intricacies and finesse of Bengali culture and traditions.
Stress-free bedroom makeover using furniture sets
Here are three reasons why investing in furniture sets, instead of going for individual pieces, can make your bedroom interior designing project smoother.
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?
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.
Beat the heatwave: Tips and tricks to stay safe in hot weather
From preventing dehydration to sun protection, here are a couple of ways you and your loved ones can stay safe and happy and beat the annoying heatwave!
5 documentaries to watch on Netflix this break
Who doesn’t love Netflix documentaries? The suspense and thrill of a well-produced Netflix original leave viewers enchanted, anticipating more. And with the Eid and Pahela Baishakh break coinciding together, now’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family to sit back and binge-watch all that Netflix has to offer!
Aydha Mehnaz: The first Bangladeshi on Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2024
Aydha Mehnaz joins the rank of Forbes 30 under 30 Class of 2024 Europe for her distinguished achievements in international media and marketing — marking her as the first Bangladeshi to have been listed for Forbes 30 under 30 Europe.
Safety first! Swimming pool safety tips everyone should know
Just before you hop into the pool, have you checked if everything is safe or not? To most people, swimming pool safety precautions are an annoyance and a hassle to deal with; just get to the fun instead, right? But even things as jovial as a refreshing pool party can turn fatal if you are not careful.
5 interesting things you did not know about Atif Aslam
Best known for his songs written for Pakistani and Indian cinemas, Atif Aslam's distinctive smoky voice and vocal belting style are enough to make us swoon and tug at our heartstrings.
