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...
Travel
Seaside adventure: Safety tips for Cox's Bazar travellers
Amidst the allure of this coastal gem, safety becomes a special issue during peak seasons like Eid, when this popular tourist destination usually swells with crowds.
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.
The rise of domestic tourism: Challenges and opportunities
Bangladesh is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. One quick YouTube search would fill your screen with various vloggers, both local and foreign, showcasing our rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape, and warm hospitality. However, there is still a lot to be desired, so we reached out to avid travellers, as well as figures from the hospitality sector to gather insight and analyse what comes next for Bangladesh’s tourism.
Food & Recipes
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.
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.
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>
Elegant blooms: Bring the joy of flowers in to celebrate Eid
Tradition intertwines with artistry in Bengali culture and flowers have a timeless appeal for beauty and symbolism in both elements of Bangladeshi social lives.
Eid home makeover: Sparkle and shine for the festive season
Who does not love to entertain family, friends and relatives in a perfectly decorated home? With Eid-ul-Fitr knocking on the
The great salami shift: Eid celebrations through millennial eyes
Eid in Dhaka unfolds a tale that every millennial can narrate with a mix of nostalgia and a slight grimace. It’s that time of year when our roles shift dramatically from the eager hands once extended for Eid salamis to the ones reluctantly opening our physical or digital wallets.
Cashless in Dhaka: Navigating pre-Eid expenses with a tap
Cashless in Dhaka: Navigating pre-Eid expenses with a tap
From sarees to Boho: Taking up sartorial challenges this Pahela Baishakh
While there is hardly anything as symbolic as hues of red and white for Pahela Baishakh, this year we are excited for something new, something different!
Your Eid with a deshi twist
That blind obsession with the sartorial choices of Bollywood actresses and celebrities is a thing of the past; we have, at long last, come into our own.
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.
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!
Was Bollywood right? Can a boy and a girl never be just friends?
Friends can share secrets, cuddle up on the sofa, and show each other a great deal of affection without necessarily being in a romantic relationship. However, emotions might shift at times, and it's okay to question whether relationships could go beyond friendship.
Criticism or harassment? How to know the difference
Since most of the communication and interactions happen behind keyboards and screens, its often very easy to blur the lines between constructive criticism and harassment.
Keep the flame alive: Creative ways to spark up your relationship!
The spark that once fuelled your love may appear less intense than before as you juggle household responsibilities and professional obligations. You may, however, rekindle the romance in your relationship and rediscover its magic with a dash of effort and a bit of creativity.
Bangladeshi female artists celebrate everyday heroines with inspiring mural
Located in Studio 6/6 in Mohammadpur, the mural project engaged an all-woman team and leadership, supported by male allies, to create a symbol of empowerment and solidarity.
Dress to impress: How to personalise your panjabi for the perfect Eid flair
The holy month of Ramadan is nearly over, and you know what that means — Eid-ul-Fitr and all the things we do that make it memorable: good food, and plenty of invitations and outings. This is the time to put on our best dresses and showcase our style.
Co-ord couture: Dhaka’s latest fashion craze for Eid and Baishakh
Co-ords, short for coordinated sets, have revolutionised style with their effortless pairing of matching tops and bottoms. From casual loungewear to sophisticated ensembles, the allure and the versatility of this trend have taken Dhaka fashionistas by storm and promise to be a best seller for the upcoming Eid and Baishakh celebrations.
Accessorise to maximise: This season’s must-have handbags
In today's fashion landscape, bags stand as more than just functional accessories — they're expressive statements of personal style and cultural identity. From sleek minimalism to bold extravagance, the world of bags is as diverse as the individuals who carry them.
Feast fit for Eid: Quinoa recipes that nourish and impress
Indulgence meets healthy eating this Eid. The following quinoa recipes promise to tantalise your taste buds while keeping your wellness goals intact. Quinoa (keen-waa) is a versatile superfood that can take centre stage in our kitchen.
No oil, no problem: Delicious air fryer recipes for busy foodies
With the joy and blessings of the holy month also comes the constant worry about what to make for iftar, and Eid.
Eid feast with a Kashmiri twist: Recipes for a delicious celebration
This Eid, try something different and indulge yourself in some luscious Kashmiri delights. From fragrant biriyani to succulent mutton, soft, spiced potatoes and a refreshing dessert, these recipes will take you straight on a trip to Kashmir.
Dine in style this Eid: Stunning dining table décor ideas
From iftar gatherings with friends to Eid feasts with family, the dining room is an indispensable part of every house.
Elegant blooms: Bring the joy of flowers in to celebrate Eid
Tradition intertwines with artistry in Bengali culture and flowers have a timeless appeal for beauty and symbolism in both elements of Bangladeshi social lives.
