lifestyle
Collective Healing at Dhaka Flow: Festival of Yoga & Wellness
This Friday (January 13, 2023), from 11 am to 5 pm, Shazia Omar hosted Bangladesh’s first-ever yoga and wellness festival, Dhaka Flow. The event saw 60 private sector companies, 20 fitness teachers and healers, and over 1000 people gather around the theme of healthy living. United News of Bangladesh (UNB) was the Media Partner of Dhaka Flow's yoga and wellness event held at Gulshan Society Lake Park in Dhaka.
“Dhaka City can be a toxic space with the chaotic traffic, population density, air pollution and overall lack of healthy living. Given this, it is important for us to cultivate a higher conscience and embrace a more intentional way of life that is harmonious and nurturing for our people and our planet,” said Shazia.
In the opening session, Shazia said she organized Dhaka Flow as a way to give space to all the people making efforts to contribute to a healthy community. She said healthy living is not about exercise alone, its about mind, body, spirit, as well as home, community, country. She said one cannot be healthy in isolation. Good health requires good physical health, good mental, psychological, emotional health, clean air, green earth, pure water. She described a vision of Dhaka City as a place that is free, healthy, clean, inclusive and green.
Dhaka Flow, in partnership with Gulshan Society, made use of public space to provide a free event for the community that would encourage everyone to live healthier. For the event, Shazia had a few pillars. Managed by Interspeed, the event was entirely plastic waste free and eco-friendly. All companies participating did not use PVC banners. Stalls were made of bamboo and jute with cloth canvas signs, keeping an eye on the aesthetics, to ensure an eco-artistic feel.
Read More: Dhaka Flow brings day-long Festival of Yoga and Wellness
No plastic bottles were sold, instead everyone enjoyed Pureit by Unilever’s water dispensers. The event had 14 food vendors, all taking on the challenge, or opportunity, of designing purely vegetarian treats, as ahimsa, non-violence towards living beings, was one of the pillars of the event. The final pillar was that of collaboration rather than competition, as all vendors and instructors were asked to cross-promote one another. Pushing the boundary bit by bit can lead to cataclysmic change. She hopes all events going forward will see how it easy it is to shift modus operandi and adopt cleaner habits.
Mustafa Turan, Turkish Ambassador, and Natalie Chuard, Swiss Ambassador, also spoke at the opening, to express their strong belief in yoga as a positive way of life. The theme of devoting time to taking care of oneself, in order to show up better, so we are in a better place to raise a healthy family and healthy community and healthy nation came up.
Shazia said she was thrilled to see how many people are actively engaged in the wellness sector in their own way. She said Dhaka Flow showcased several start-ups including East Bengal Coffee Grinder, Mama’s Tarts, Aliens, fithobo.com, Moar co-working space, Smart Air and Just SXY sportswear. WhiteBoard participated to record citizen’s voices around the theme of building a better Bangladesh. Basecamp offered park visitors a chance to climb a 50-foot tree. Clay Station, Aranya and Art for the Soul gave people space to be creative. Aqua Paints, the Growing Up Club and Kolpotoru kept the kids zone active. F45, Amra Active, Yasmin Karachiwala Body Image and individuals like Ed Jujitsu, Naziafitstudio and Britto offered cardio sessions while Faria Athar, And_zen, Tasmiah and Dyuti offered yoga sessions. Anita Aparna Muyeed offered meditation and energy healing while Namira Hossain offered intuitive tarot card reading.
Read More: Pandemic Yoga: How to strengthen lungs, ease breathing problems with yoga
Core sponsors, Turaag Active, a local designer sportswear brand, provided yoga pants to the yogis, Aarong Earth, with organic skin and hair care products, and Prime Bank, with green financing, made the event possible. ACI Nutrilife showcased their healthy grain products, Sprint from Apex showcased shoes made from recycled plastic bottles, CalciPlus showcased calcium fortified milk for bone health, Sajeeb Group showcase Isobuler Bhushi as a traditional and effective way of keeping ones gut healthy, Blenders Choice Ispahani tea showcased green tea, and Sajida Foundation showcased Kaan Pete Roi and Shojon, suicide hotline and mental health service providers. Other stalls at the event included Shombob,com, online pharmacy, Movement Solutions, physiotherapists, Dhaka Ayurveda Centre, offering therapeutic massages, and many more.
Shazia Omar has been teaching yoga in Dhaka for over 15 years. She encourages everyone to subscribe to her channel, Youtube.com/ShazzyOm. She is a writer, a yogini, an activist and a mom. She runs yoga retreats around the country and classes in Gulshan. To join the wellness movement and ‘surrender to the flow’, she invites everyone to check out Dhaka Flow’s website and join the Dhaka Flow community on Facebook and Instagram.
One of the key messages of the event was that yoga can help people cope with stress and reduce physical and mental ailments. Meditation and mindfulness can improve concentration, compassion, peace and community spirit. An understanding about healthy habits and better nutrition can contribute drastically to our fitness and journey towards inner peace.
Read More: From coffee to yoga to happiness: Offbeat ministries from around the world!
The event was closed with some beautiful songs by Armeen Musa, Grammy-award nominee. We look forward to more such events in the future.
For more information about yoga or Dhaka Flow, please email [email protected].
5 Delightful Lasagna Recipes to Add to Your Repertoire
Some say lasagna originated in Italy while others say that lasagna originated in Greece or England. However, most reports indicate that this dish was first found in the Italian city of Naples during the Middle Ages. Today lasagna is a popular dish in Asia, even in Bangladesh. This Italian food can be easily prepared in home kitchens. Let's find out 5 delectable Lasagna recipes for lunch or dinner.
Food Value of Lasagna
Per 250 g serving of lasagna, you will get 325 calories. This serving has 13 g of fat, 16 g of protein, and 35 g of carbohydrate. The remaining part is 11 g of sugar and 4.3 g of dietary fiber. Besides, you will get complex carbohydrates from this serving. Moreover, 5.3 g of saturated fat and 33 mg of cholesterol are available per serving.
5 Delicious Lasagna Recipes to try at Home
Beef Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
1 pound beef (ground ), 1 small onion, 2 tablespoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 24-ounce marinara sauce,1 cup water, 15 ounce ricotta cheese, 2 eggs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 12 lasagna noodles, and 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
Read More: 4 Easy Vaapa Pitha Recipes for Urban Kitchens
Directions
First, prepare the oven to 375 F degrees. Take a pan and cook the meat as long as the meat becomes pink and then add chopped onion, 1 tbsp of the oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook until the onion becomes soft and glassy. Now add the sauce and the cup of water. Let the mixture boil and after boiling remove it from the stove.
Now mix well the ricotta cheese, 1 tbsp oregano, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Take a baking dish of about 9×13 inches and assemble your lasagna. Put some of the sauce at the bottom, then lay 3 lasagna noodles, add the ricotta mixture and about 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
After that add the remaining 3 lasagna noodles, meat mixture, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Do the same process as long as you have 4 layers of noodles, and finish layering with ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. Bake for about an hour. Garnish and serve.
Read More: 15 Top Rice Varieties in the World.
Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
9 lasagna noodles, ½ cup butter, 1 onion, 1 clove garlic, ½ cup flour, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 ½ cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 cups mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 cups ricotta cheese, 2 cups cooked chicken meat, 2 packages chopped spinach, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
4 Easy Vaapa Pitha Recipes for Urban Kitchens
Vaapa pitha or Bhapa pitha is a type of steamed rice cake and its main ingredients are rice flour, coconut, and ghur/sugar. It originated in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent including Bangladesh, East India, and Northeast India. Bhapa pitha is one of the most traditional winter dishes in Bangladesh. Check here the 4 best vaapa pitha recipes to try in your kitchen.
Food value of the Vaapa Pitha
From 1 Vaapa Pitha you will get nearly 15.20 g of carbohydrates which are the main source of energy and nutrients in your body. Besides, carbohydrates help to support your central nervous system, and the functions of the kidney, brain, and heart muscles.
Most importantly, it assists you to avoids constipation and help control blood cholesterol level. Moreover, you get 12 g dietary Fiber, 0.2 g sugars, 0.5 g fat, 5.7 g saturated fat, 0.75 g sodium, and 115 mg potassium. Plus, you get vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Read More: 5 Yummy Winter Pitha Recipes for Diabetics
Delicious Vaapa Pitha Recipes to try at Home
Vaapa Pitha With Coconut Filling Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups of rice flour, 1/2 coconut (grated), 1 cup of date jaggery, 1 pinch of salt
Directions
First, mix rice powder and sieve well, and add salt. Meanwhile, boil water in a pot and put a steamer on top of that pot. Then, take a small cup and put some rice flowers and a layer of 1 tbsp of grated jaggery, 1 tbsp of grated coconut and then put another layer of rice flour. Do the process two times.
Now take a soft cotton cloth, wrath the cup with the cloth. When the water is boiling, put the cup full of rice flour on the steamer. Make sure you remove the cup. Cook for 1-2 minutes and remove the pitha when it is done. Follow the same process to prepare the rest of the pithas. Serve hot.
Read More: Delicious Winter Pithas in Bangladesh: Where Savory, and Innovation Meets Tradition
15 Top Rice Varieties in the World
Rice is one of the most popular foods in the world. It is a staple food for more than 3.5 billion people in the world. Rice and other food products made from rice are important sources of carbohydrates and vitamins. There are 120,000 varieties of rice available around the world. However, this article will cover the 15 most common rice grain varieties that are popular in different parts of the world.
15 Most Popular Types of Rice Grains in the World
Let’s explore some of the top rice varieties in the world based on their flavor profiles, origin, available region, and nutritional benefits. So, let’s get started and take a look at some of the best rice varieties in the world!
Arborio Rice
Arborio Rice is a short-grain Italian rice originating from the northern region of Italy. It is known for its creamy texture and its ability to absorb large amounts of liquid. The flavor of Arborio is slightly sweet and nutty and has a chewy, creamy texture when cooked.
Read: Health Benefits of Different Types of Nuts
Its available region is mainly Europe, North America, and Asia. Nutritional benefits of Arborio Rice include being low in fat and high in fiber and protein. Furthermore, it is 100% gluten-free and has low cholesterol.
5 Easy Crab Recipes for the Seafood Lovers
Bangladesh has huge potential in producing seafood. Particularly, crab is one of the key export products of the country. Crabs are very healthy and nutritious. Besides ordering in the seas food restaurants, crab dishes can be prepared in home kitchens. We are here with the 5 best crab recipes to try at home.
Food value of Crabs
Crab is a great source of protein. Protein is one of the most important materials for building and maintaining muscle. Besides, the crab has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. These nutrients are essential to improve general health and help prevent different types of chronic conditions.
5 Healthy and Yummy Crab Recipes
Classic Crab Boil Recipe
Ingredients
2 tablespoons mustard seed, 2 tablespoons celery seed, 1 tablespoon dill seed, one tablespoon coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon whole allspice, 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves, 4 bay leaves, 8 quarts water, 1/4 cup salt, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 pounds crabs, butter and lemon wedges.
Bangladeshi passport’s ranking improves in 2023, still behind Iran and Sri Lanka as per Henley Index
The 2023 edition of the Henley Passport Index – the most widely-accepted rating of global travel documents – places Bangladesh’s passport at 101st position, up three places from last year.
The latest edition of the Passport Index features a total of 109 spots with some countries’ passports sharing the same ranking. Bangladesh shares the 101st position with Kosovo. In 2022, Bangladesh ranked 104th.
Interestingly enough, passports of heavily sanctioned Iran, economically devastated Lebanon and Sri Lanka, and conflict-ridden Sudan have fared better compared to that of Bangladesh – at 99th and 100th (shared) positions respectively.
Read more: Bangladesh Passport Renewal Process: How to renew MRP, Handwritten Passport
According to the 2023 Henley Passport Index, a Bangladeshi passport entitles visa-free travel to 41 destinations.
In South Asia, Bangladeshi passport is in a better position compared to those of Nepal (at 103), Pakistan (106) and Afghanistan (109). At 61, Maldives’ passport is in the best position in the region. Indian passport ranks at 85 and Bhutan’s at 90.
The top 5 ranking passports according to the Henley Index are: Japan at 1, allowing citizens visa-free access to 193 destinations; Singapore and South Korea at 2; Germany and Spain sharing the 3rd spot; Finland, Italy, Luxembourg at 4; and Austria, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden at 5.
Read more: Travelling 100 countries with the 9th weakest passport in the world
The bottom 5 ranking passports as per the index are: Afghanistan at 109, Iraq at 108, Syria at 107, Pakistan at 106 and Yemen at 105.
The Henley Passport Index, the only one of its kind based on unique data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), has historical data going back 18 years. The database lists 227 travel destinations and 199 passports.
The index is updated every quarter, and is regarded as the go-to resource for global citizens and sovereign states for determining where a passport ranks on the scale of global mobility.
Read More: E-Passport for Children in Bangladesh: Application process, necessary documents
Karim Waheed is the Digital Editor at UNB.
With ‘Nasek Nasek’, 10th Dhaka Lit Fest comes to a close
The 10th edition of Dhaka Lit Fest, which took place over four days featuring a wide range of the world's top authors, filmmakers, singers, and artists, has been concluded at the Bangla Academy with a reaffirmation of its dedication to promoting Bangladeshi literature, culture, and arts.
The festival concluded on Sunday with an enthralling closing ceremony, featuring performances by Coke Studio Bangla artistes Animes Roy, Ritu Raj, Pantha Kanai, Boga Taleb, Momotaz, Rubayat Rehman and its other artistes. With ‘Nasek Nasek’, the debut track of Coke Studio in Bangladesh, the 10th edition of the literary festival bids its adieu.
Read more: Episodes of her Gaze: Maksuda Iqbal Nipa's resplendent art collective launched at DLF
The formal closing act was conducted at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad (AKSB) auditorium before that, and it started with a dynamic dance and recital performance by Jatrik named "Women Rise" about women's emancipation.
The adversity and persistence against women in the Indian subcontinent were portrayed through the performance of classical and modern dance forms, choreographed by Naila Azad Nupur with recitals by DLF director-producer Sadaf Saaz and Nupur herself.
Booker Prize-winning Indian author Gitanjalee Shree, eminent Somalian novelist Nuruddin Farah, Dhaka Tribune editor Zafar Sobhan, City Bank managing director and CEO Mashrur Arefin, and Dhaka Lit Fest director and producer Sadaf Saaz spoke at the closing ceremony, sharing their remarks bidding adieus and expressing their gratitude to everyone.
5 Drumstick Recipes for Snacks Lovers
Drumstick is one of the yummiest snacks loved by children, teenagers and adults. Drumstick is a healthy and nutritious snack. The savoury of chicken or duck drumsticks not only cherishes souls but also fulfils appetite. Besides ordering from restaurants, drumsticks can be prepared at home too. Let’s find out 5 delicious drumstick recipes for home kitchens.
Food value of the Drumsticks
Drumsticks are enriched with various nutrients including vitamins A, B, C and K and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron. You will also get dietary fibre and protein from drumsticks. From 3-ounce duck drumsticks, you will get 0g carbs, 4.8g fat, 20.6g protein, and 132 calories and 100 g chicken drumsticks contain 155 calories, 24.2 g of protein, and 5.7 g of fat.
5 Mouth-watering Drumstick Recipes
Spicy Chicken Drumstick Recipe
Ingredients
8 medium chicken drumsticks, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons chilli powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional garnishes:
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, Pinch red pepper flakes.
Read More: Shahi Tukda Recipes for People Who Love Desserts
Instructions
First, prepare the to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, dry the drumsticks with paper towels. Then arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Now take a bowl to prepare the rub and mix well the olive oil, salt, chilli powder and cayenne pepper. Make a paste. Then coat the drumsticks nicely with this paste.
Bake the drumsticks as long as the internal temperature should reach 165ºF and the juices run clear. Cover them with foil if required seems them to be darkening too fast on top. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes and serve.
Read More: 5 Delightful Tartare Recipes to Add to Your Repertoire
Spicy Baked Yoghurt Chicken Drumstick Recipe
Ingredients
5 tbsp yoghurt, 1½ tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tsp chilli powder, 1 heaped tsp paprika, ½ tsp garam masala, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1½ tsp ground coriander, juice of ½ lemon, ½ tsp salt, 2 tbsp rice bran or vegetable oil, 10 chicken drumsticks, 2 tbsp oil lemon juice, yoghurt (to serve)
BSA extends 19th Asian Art Biennale for one week
Responding to the demand of avid art lovers, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has extended the 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2022 for one week.
The biennale will now welcome its visitors till January 13.
The closing ceremony of the exhibition was held at BSA's National Theatre Hall Saturday.
Presided over by BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, the event was joined by Speaker of the Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury as chief guest. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Monsur, and eminent artists Shahabuddin Ahmed and Monirul Islam were also present.
Many enthusiastic art admirers and visitors were seen on the BSA premises yesterday on the Asian Art Biennale's last day.
Both Khalid and Liaquat said they received multiple requests for an extension of the exhibition, but had to announce its conclusion.
However, the next editions of this flagship event of the BSA will be held for two months, they added.
"Despite the fact that the 19th Asian Art Biennale officially drew to a close, we decided to extend it for another week due to the demand of our art enthusiasts. The galleries will be accessible to the public until January 13. However, it will not be extended further, as we have other exciting projects in our schedule," BSA Public Relations Officer Hasan Mahmud told UNB Sunday.
On December 8, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the month-long art extravaganza online. The exhibition is showcasing 649 pieces of art created by 493 artists from 114 nations, including 149 Bangladeshi artists.
Thailand reinstates foreign arrival vaccination requirement
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand will reinstate the requirement that all international passengers show proof of full (two doses) vaccination before boarding flights to Thailand.
Saksayam Chidchob, Transport Minister of Thailand, stated yesterday that the Civil Aviation Authority had now formally notified concerned parties about the change in arrival rules for international travelers over the age of 18 that will take effect tomorrow, reports Bangkok Post.
“They will last at least until the end of the month,” he said.
Also Read: Bangladesh-Vietnam direct flights may begin this year-end
Everyone entering the nation needs to provide documentation of a complete immunization record or a letter of proof that they have recovered from Covid-19 infection in the last six months. Travelers who are unvaccinated must provide documentation explaining why they cannot receive a vaccination.
Airlines are required to check these documents before boarding passengers and are responsible for returning those who do not have the proper documentation to their point of origin.
The guidelines go into effect at the same time that China's border reopens following nearly three years of closures and restrictions.