“Harmony of Healing', an exhibition featuring traditional and innovative musical instruments from the region, presented by Mohammad Jakir Hossain, begun at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in Dhaka on Monday. Music artist Baul Shafi Mondol attended the exhibition as a special guest, and François Grosjean, director of the Alliance Française de Dhaka, also participated in the inauguration, among others. Jakir Hossain, born in 1994 in Gaibandha, studied music in Kolkata from 2016 to 2022, where he learned various forms, including Indian classical, Bengali folk, Tagore songs, and modern music. After returning to Bangladesh, he explored the impact of music on humanism and healing. In 2018, he founded “Obokalpo”, an initiative focused on preserving and developing traditional and experimental music while nurturing art and culture in vulnerable regions of Bangladesh. In addition to the display of experimental indigenous musical instruments, the exhibition will feature seminars, workshops, and Bengali folk music performances. Lucy Tripti Gomes curated the exhibition. Acrobatics featuring trained artists enthralls BSA The exhibition is open to all and will run until Friday, November 29, from Monday to Saturday, 3 pm to 9 pm.

On Saturday evening, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) hosted a unique 'Acrobatic Show' at the National Theatre Hall auditorium in the capital. The acrobatic show was organized by the Theater and Film Department of BSA, as the academy is currently working in a variety of methods to advance the popular acrobatic art form. The acrobatic team of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, which received special training from China, presented several enthralling performances featuring Rope Round Bill, Ariel Hoop, Blanket Balance, Barrel Balance, Chair Setting, Mount Skill, Diabo Balance, Fire/Bump, Ring Dance, Roller Balance, Ring Jump and more. At the event, the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed said, "The art of Acrobatics has gained wide popularity for several hundred years. It was mentioned in "Mahua Pala" written in 1650, proving that acrobatics was already popular before that period; but today, its remnants survive somewhere in a dilapidated condition - and the circus that was popular during the British period is hardly seen today.” "Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy thanks the state and people of China for helping to revive this almost lost heritage of Bangladesh, and I request our trained acrobats and their instructors to make acrobatics a part of our heritage. I also want the audience to stand by the circus, because Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy can take the circus back to a strong position with your undivided support,” Syed Jamil concluded.. The program was broadcast live from the official Facebook page of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.  

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs on Thursday announced seven innovative projects aimed at engaging youth and revitalizing Bangladesh's cultural landscape in the wake of the July Revolution. The announcement came during a press conference at the Secretariat, chaired by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The seven initiatives, designed to foster creativity and inclusivity, are: 'Remembering Monsoon Revolution,' 'Youth Festival,' 'Countrywide Talent Hunt,' 'Digital Oral History Project,' 'Bangla Academy Creative Writing Workshop and Research Project,' 'Installation of Modern Video Projection System at the National Museum,' and 'Show-Creator Workshops.' Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki emphasized the projects’ significance in promoting cultural unity and diversity. “The establishment of a cultural bridge is crucial after the revolution,” he said. “We want to ensure that Bangladesh represents everyone—many people, many religions, many languages, and all cultures will be at the center of our policy. There will be no space for religious discrimination.” In the written statement of the ministry, it was informed that 'Remembering Monsoon Revolution' will create new enthusiasm and new wave among the youth of Bangladesh. As part of this project, 8 visual content creation workshops will be organized in 8 categories by 8 top Bangladeshi creators, and 8 medium length visual content will be produced as output of the workshop while 8 new theater productions will also be created and staged. An album of Nazrul's songs will be made with youth-favorite local artists of the country and a concert will be organized centrally in Dhaka on the occasion of its release. This concert will be telecast across the country. Besides, the July Revolution-centric photography, paintings and cartoons will be exhibited in the country through major exhibitions, according to the Ministry. A grand 'Youth Festival' will take place from December 30 to February 8 next year, where the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will organize cultural events across the country. As part of the countrywide talent search program, the ministry will organize a countrywide talent search program with the aim of creating a new cultural awakening among Bangladeshi children, adolescents and youth. 'Digital Oral History Project' will include a large-scale digital archiving. Millions of participants in the 'Remembering Monsoon Revolution' will have their involvement history captured by video cameras and compiled, and these videos will be displayed everywhere. For aspiring authors, Bangla Academy will publish books and offer creative writing classes. In addition, 10 one-year research fellowships and funds for fifty research papers will be granted to the aspiring researchers, as part of the 'Bangla Academy Creative Writing Workshop and Research Project'. Besides, it was also revealed that the projection system in the National Museum auditoriums will be modernized to screen international films, documentaries and other visual content along with stage performances throughout the year, and the ‘Show-Creator Workshops’ will be organized for the promising youth of Bangladesh with experienced trainers of internationally renowned OTT platforms. Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, joined other ministry officials in presenting these initiatives.  

The ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah will announce the winners of the 4th ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Good Practices in Cultural Heritage Preservation and the 3rd Arab Cultural Heritage Award for the Young on November 28 2024. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 am at ICCROM-Sharjah, according to a press release on Thursday. The event will recognise outstanding efforts in preserving Arab cultural heritage. Awards include the Grand Award for Good Practices, and two Honorary Awards for Community Engagement and Conservation and Innovation. It also celebrates Arab youth creativity in drawing, photography, awareness films, and folkloric dance through the Arab Cultural Heritage Award for the Young. Winners in these categories will participate in training workshops in arts, photography, and directing before the ceremony. Historian and architect Professor Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Professor at MIT, will be honoured for his significant contributions to Islamic architecture and heritage through his academic and research achievements. This year, 18 projects from 12 Arab countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, were shortlisted from 55 nominations for the ICCROM-Sharjah Award. These projects highlight efforts to preserve historical architecture, protect archaeological sites, and safeguard tangible heritage. The awards underscore ICCROM-Sharjah's dedication to conserving cultural heritage, promoting best practices, and fostering international knowledge exchange. By spotlighting successful initiatives, the program aims to inspire others, strengthen professional networks, and enhance public appreciation of cultural heritage in the Arab region.  

Since October 7 last year, 191 journalists and media workers have been killed as Israel is targeting and killing Palestinian journalists to suppress media coverage of the massacre in Gaza. To protest against this targeted killing of Palestinian journalists, an exhibition titled ‘Gaza Holocaust: Killing the Truthtellers’ was organised by Drik Picture Library this afternoon at Dhanmondi's Rabindra Sarobar. Along with Drik family members and friends, visitors present at the venue stood in solidarity with photographs of journalists who died fighting for the liberation of Palestine. Earlier this year, on May 5, to mark World Press Freedom Day 2024, Drik organised a 7-day exhibition under the same title and a panel discussion at DrikPath Bhaban in Panthapath. In the introduction to the exhibition, which aimed to pay tribute to the media persons killed in Gaza, eminent photographer and Drik’s Managing Director Shahidul Alam described, “With access to international media denied by Israel, the Palestinian journalists were the sole witnesses to the destruction of hospitals, where healing hands once laboured to save desperate lives and abandoned children lay in deserted incubators, to mass graves with people buried alive.” “They saw hungry people queuing outside food trucks gunned down and pregnant mothers, breasts dry and hearts heavy, buried under rubble. They saw too much, said too much and were plucked off, like carnival ducks in a shooting arcade, one by one. Sometimes alone, sometimes with families. Drones guided by technology giants honing in on the death trail of their mobile phones.” “These brave journalists, in their sacrifice, have ignited the flame of conscience. They were more than flesh and bone. Martyrs to the sacred art of truth telling, their lens a mirror reflecting humanity’s darkest corners. The weight of their stories presses upon our collective conscience.“ according to Shahidul Alam. This solidarity exhibition is part of resistance to Israeli aggression and commitment to liberating Palestine with the call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the ongoing genocide.

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, in partnership with Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), presented an evening with the Franco-German Jazz Trio featuring Luise Volkmann (saxophone), Max Andrzejewski (drums), and Paul Jarret (guitar) recently at the AFD, Dhanmondi, in Dhaka. As part of a successful regional jazz tour of the trio, the concert enamoured the Dhaka audiences on Sunday, November 10. Prior to the concert, Frank Werner, Director of the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, and François Grosjean, Director of the Alliance Française de Dhaka, welcomed the Franco-German musicians and audience with brief speeches. The concert was marked by a journey through playful elegance and energetic flow, inviting the audience to experience the trio's deeply emotional and innovative approach to jazz. Their performance brought a refreshing soundscape to Dhaka, leaving a lasting impression on the city's jazz enthusiasts. The Volkmann/Jarret/Andrzejewski trio was founded in 2023 because Volkmann had carte blanche for a new line-up at the Hanover Jazz Festival. The trio plays a convincing mixture of simple folk songs and improvised sound collages. All band members are instrumentalists as well as outstanding composers, all of whom have already written for large formations. In the trio's interplay, this knowledge of instrumentation and form is condensed into an energetic yet fragile performance that is deeply emotional. The concert featured an evocative selection of tracks depicting playful elegance in the music that took the audience on a musical journey, including "All My Forces” by Louise Volkmann, “My Ground” by Louise Volkmann, “Kitzel Skizze” by Louise Volkmann, “Roam Free” by Paul Jarret, “Odd Western by Paul Jarret, “#18” by Max Andrzejewski, and “Opposite You” by Luise Volkmann. This carefully curated setlist highlighted the trio's innovative approach, blending playful elegance with energetic flow, and left a lasting impression on Dhaka's jazz enthusiasts.

Winter's cozy appeal often tempts us to indulge in comfort foods and stay indoors, making it harder to keep the extra kgs off. With colder weather and lower motivation to stay active, cravings for rich, hearty meals increase. However, winter doesn’t have to mean weight gain—by following simple, effective strategies, you can maintain or even improve your fitness throughout the season. Why is it Difficult to Lose Weight in Winter? Unlike summer, people love to stay indoors during the colder months. Winter lifestyle often leads to the ignoring of regular exercise and diet. Let’s consider the key reasons why it is hard to maintain or lose weight during the winter season. Lower Activity Levels Shorter days and colder weather often reduce outdoor activities. For many people, winter means fewer walks, less jogging, and a reduction in sports or activities that require leaving the warmth of home. This drop in activity naturally affects calorie expenditure, leading to a slower metabolism and, consequently, potential weight gain. Read more: 10 Delicious Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss Comfort Food Cravings During the colder months, we crave warm, filling foods high in calories, fats, and carbs. These cravings are not just psychological—your body uses more energy to keep you warm, which can cause you to crave denser, more energy-rich foods. Reduced Sunlight Exposure Winter’s reduced sunlight can lower vitamin D levels, affecting mood and leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for some. SAD often causes fatigue, sadness, and carb cravings, reducing motivation to exercise and eat well. Low energy and mood make it harder to maintain fitness and balanced nutrition during the season.  Changes in Metabolism Colder weather triggers the body to maintain its internal temperature, which can slightly increase the human body’s metabolic rate. However, this increase is inadequate to offset higher calorie intake from comfort foods. Instead, our bodies may go into a mild "hibernation mode," where metabolism slows as activity decreases, making weight loss a bit more challenging. Read more: Delicious Oatmeal Recipes for Weight Loss Tips to Avoid Winter Weight Gain Though people want to live a more relaxed lifestyle during the colder months, following some strategies can prevent gaining extra pounds. Stay Active Indoors When outdoor exercise feels less appealing, find ways to keep moving indoors. There are countless ways to stay active at home, from following online workout videos to using home fitness equipment. You can try online classes in yoga, dance, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).  Create a home gym setup with resistance bands, dumbbells, or kettlebells. You can also incorporate bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups that require minimal space. Staying active at home burns calories and keeps your mood and energy up during those winter days. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Set Winter Fitness Goals Sometimes, all it takes is a goal to keep you focused. Setting specific, achievable goals like improving strength, running a certain distance, or completing a workout challenge can provide motivation. Winter is a perfect time to work on endurance, flexibility, or strength, as these can be developed indoors with minimal equipment. Embrace Seasonal Vegetables and Light Comfort Foods Winter foods do not have to be heavy to be comforting. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, along with leafy greens like cabbage and spinach, are winter staples that are both nutritious and satisfying. Try making lighter versions of classic comfort foods, like soups and stews with plenty of veggies, lean proteins, and low-sodium broths. Practice Mindful Eating Mindful eating is all about slowing down and truly savouring each bite, which can help reduce overeating. In winter, many people tend to eat more out of boredom or to seek comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to hunger cues and avoid eating in front of screens. Try to focus on each meal, chew thoroughly, and consider portion sizes. Read more: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally Choose Snacks Wisely Smart snacking can prevent winter weight gain by curbing cravings and stabilizing energy. Choose high-protein, high-fibre options like yoghurt with apple slices with peanut butter. These snacks keep you full and help avoid unhealthy choices later. Stick to small portions and avoid sugary snacks that lead to quick energy spikes and crashes. Control Your Stress Managing stress, especially during the winter season, can help prevent weight gain. High stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain and cravings for junk food. To keep stress levels low, try techniques like exercise, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. These methods help control cortisol and reduce the likelihood of overeating unhealthy foods. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels Lower sunlight exposure in winter can lead to a drop in vitamin D, which plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system and mood. You can boost vitamin D by spending a few minutes outside when the sun is out, even on colder days. Try including vitamin D-rich foods like fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy. Consider discussing supplements with a healthcare provider. Read more: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy Stay Hydrated It is common to drink less water in winter because the cold weather may make you less thirsty. However, hydration is just as essential in winter as in summer. Water helps keep metabolism running efficiently and prevents overeating, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger. You should carry a water bottle around, and drink herbal teas for warmth and hydration without added calories. Prioritize Sleep Adequate sleep is essential for weight management because it regulates hormones that control hunger and appetite. Short winter days may disrupt sleep cycles, but try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to keep energy levels balanced and reduce cravings for sugary or high-carb foods. Make Exercise a Social Activity Staying active can be more fun with friends or family. Look for local winter sports or try virtual workout challenges with friends. Many gyms also offer winter workout programs or challenges that can help you stay consistent. Making fitness a social commitment adds accountability, increasing the likelihood of sticking to your routine. Read more: 5 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes for Weight Loss Plan Your Meals Ahead Meal planning can help you avoid impulsive food choices that are high in calories. Prepare meals for the week, focusing on balanced nutrition and portion sizes. If you have healthy, ready-made meals at hand, you are less likely to reach for high-calorie options. Keep Meals Balanced with Protein and Fiber Winter meals often have plenty of carbs but lack protein and fiber, both essential for feeling full and managing weight. Protein boosts metabolism and reduces appetite, so aim for 25–30 grams per meal from sources like meat, poultry, fish, beans, and quinoa. Fiber also supports fullness and prevents overeating. Include fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts to help maintain balance and control calorie intake during festive meals. Do not Skip Workouts It can be tempting to skip workouts when it is dark and cold outside, but consistency is key. Even short workouts, such as a 20-minute HIIT session, can be effective. Maintaining a regular exercise routine will keep your metabolism running and help offset any extra calories from winter foods. Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise Final Words Winter weight gain is avoidable with proactive habits. By recognizing winter’s triggers and making mindful choices, you can stay active, eat well, maintain balance, and lose extra pounds. Relish seasonal treats without derailing your health goals. With the right approach, you can enjoy the cold season feeling energized and motivated. Embrace winter, stay mindful, and prioritize your health throughout the season. Read more: How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight?

Are you ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Himalayas? Darjeeling, Tonglu, and Sandakphu should be on your bucket list if you enjoy trekking and exploring serene hill stations. Nestled in India’s West Bengal, these destinations offer stunning panoramic views, rich culture, and thrilling trekking routes. For travelers from Bangladesh, this guide will provide everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to these amazing destinations. Darjeeling Location Darjeeling, known as the "Queen of the Hills," is located in West Bengal, India, at an altitude of about 2,045 meters (6,709 feet). It is famous for its tea plantations, colonial-era architecture, and majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Journey/ Path/ Route The most convenient way to reach Darjeeling from Bangladesh is through the Burimari border. You can take an overnight bus from Dhaka to the Burimari border (8 hours). Complete immigration formalities at the border, then take a bus to Siliguri (3-4 hours). From Siliguri, catch a shared jeep to Darjeeling (3 hours), which will cost 150 INR each. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of hills and tea gardens.  Read more: Moulvibazar Travel Guide: Explore the Top Tourist Attractions What to See There or On the Way On the way to Darjeeling, you will pass through picturesque tea gardens, small hill towns, and lush green forests. Once in Darjeeling, start with a sunrise at Tiger Hill, offering stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Everest. Visit Ghoom Monastery and its 15-foot Buddha statue.  Explore the Darjeeling Zoo to see rare animals like the red panda and snow leopard. Discover local wildlife at the Bengal Natural History Museum and tour the historic Happy Valley Tea Estate. Do not miss the spiritual tranquility of the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the adventure-filled Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.  Interesting Activities to Do - Ride the Toy Train through the hills for scenic views and a unique experience.- Take a cable car ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway for aerial views of tea gardens.- Climb Tenzing Rock for some amateur rock climbing.- Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre to explore Tibetan culture.- Stroll through Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park for a peaceful retreat.- Trek and river raft in Singalila National Park and Teesta River. Read more: Exploring Sreemangal: Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Travel Experience

French artist-educator Élise Grosjean's exclusive solo exhibition 'Finely Tiny' was inaugurated at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Friday evening. A special artist talk, 'Mathematics and Art: Exploring the Connections' preceded the exhibition at 5pm. Art critic Moinuddin Khaled attended the event as the special guest. From a young age, Élise Grosjean began her artistic journey by drawing on her skin with henna and later transitioning to paper. To escape the monotony of school, she found solace in covering her diaries with imaginative drawings. This early passion for art persisted, even as her academic path took an unexpected turn. Elise pursued an academic career, becoming a Doctor of Mathematics (PhD in Mathematics) and an assistant professor at ENSTA-Paris, a prestigious engineering school. Her research focuses on the development of numerical methods to simulate physical phenomena. Besides solving complex mathematical equations, Élise finds every excuse to draw, experimenting with a wide range of techniques, including pencils, inks, oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, pigments, collages, henna, and even salt dough. What connects her two seemingly divergent passions—mathematics and art—is her love for intricate geometric patterns. This connection is especially evident in her paintings Classroom and Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version, both of which will be featured. The exhibition will remain open to all, daily from 3pm to 9pm, till Saturday, November 9.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will kick off the 2024 Jatra Festival on Friday at the open stage (Mukto Moncho) of Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. This year’s festival will feature seven Jatra teams from different districts of Bangladesh, performing daily from 6 PM to 9 PM until November 7. The performances will be based on historical and social events. “Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy believes that art is at the centre of public life. We learned morality in childhood by watching social journeys, but over time, the Jatra industry has diverged in a different direction, and we need to address that situation. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is working to bring traditional Jatrapala back into public life through performance, development, practice, and the patronage of Jatra artists," said Prof Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of BSA. Israfil Majumdar, a participant in the student-led mass revolution, will be the chief guest, while eminent Jatra artist Anima Dey will attend as a special guest at the inaugural ceremony. Faiz Zahir, Director of the BSA Theatre and Film Department, will deliver the welcome speech at the programme, which will be presided over by the BSA DG. The first show of the seven Jatrapala performances, Nihoto Golap, will take place at 7 PM. Presented by Surovi Opera, the Jatrapala is directed by Kabir Khan.