Lifestyle
Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Gallery Cosmos, the artistic wing of Cosmos Foundation, is hosting a unique, interactive segment titled “Art Therapy through Printmaking” at “Inspire Her Wellness” by Dhaka Flow, a pioneering yoga and wellness festival.
The festival — to be held on March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka — will commemorate International Women's Day 2024, while “Art Therapy through Printmaking” will celebrate the power of creative expression in healing through art.
Eminent and pioneering printmaking artist Professor Rokeya Sultana will conduct a live printmaking session and workshop at the Creative Playground for the attendees. Besides, young artist Surovi Akter will be drawing caricatures live at the event.
‘The Black Story’ exhibition by Gallery Cosmos launched virtually
The workshop and printmaking session will be held on both days - Friday, March 8 at 11:30 am and Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 am.
In addition, the Gallery Cosmos Pavilion will be featuring 20 promising young visual artists and printmakers, showcasing a total of 35 artworks as part of its ongoing commitment to promote the country’s emerging talent by highlighting the work of these talented female artists.
With a large number of visitors expected to join and explore the art fair, Gallery Cosmos aims to provide a platform for these young Bangladeshi artists to gain recognition and appreciation on a global scale. The festival-goers can purchase their artwork from the gallery at the festival.
Nasrin Jahan Onika's maiden solo exhibition ‘Home’ begins at AFD
Art therapy has long been recognised for its capacity to unlock emotional expression and foster healing. It serves as a non-verbal communication channel that allows individuals to explore their deepest thoughts and feelings.
Women have been pivotal in the art world, yet their representation has not always been proportional to their talent. This event is dedicated to promoting women artists who do more than just fill a gallery; they shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for the next generation of female creators. They challenge societal norms, question the status quo, and, most importantly, offer a rich narrative with diverse female perspectives.
The Black Story webinar sheds spotlight on ‘Dismantling Anti-Blackness in South Asia and the Diaspora’
Women’s entrepreneurship in the art world is a burgeoning force. Female artists are not just creators but innovators and business leaders.
One of these pioneering women entrepreneurs is Nahar Khan, a writer, curator, and patron of the arts who is currently serving as the Executive Director at the Gallery Cosmos and the Cosmos Foundation. In addition, Nahar Khan also currently serves as Director at United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Vice President of the Cosmos Group.
An enthusiast of Arts and Culture who is keen on working towards inclusive curatorial practices and curatorial activism to challenge assumptions, hegemony, and heterocentrism while sparking meaningful discourse around social, racial, and political issues, Nahar Khan is especially devoted to the cultural and historical exchanges between communities.
‘Amar Dekha Noya Chin’: Bangabandhu’s formative journey in a travelogue-style graphic novel
Gallery Cosmos garnered widespread recognition from the international creative community for many of its artistic endeavours. Among these endeavours was the series of intellectual and artistic interventions for “The Black Story” project, an interactive virtual exhibition conceived and curated by Nahar Khan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also works with differently-abled children in the art space and holds several art events and workshops for them, alongside the regular artistic ventures of the gallery in order to foster the country’s glorious art and culture.
Kicking off this Friday at 10 am with an opening ceremony by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini, Shazia Omar, the “Inspire Her Wellness” festival is scheduled to host a wide range of workshops and classes, originating and concluding at Baridhara Society Lake Park on March 8-9.
UNB is the media partner of the festival.
Yoga a gift of India to world: Pranay Verma
Is Midnight Snacking Bad for You?
If you find yourself reaching for a snack in the dead of night, you are not alone. Midnight cravings are a common occurrence, often driven by various factors that go beyond simple hunger. It involves a complicated interaction and psychological and physiological factors. Let's dive into the intricacies of late-night snacking, exploring the reasons behind it, its impact on health, and practical ways to curb those midnight urges.
Reasons for Midnight Snack Cravings
Unbalanced Meal Schedules
Unbalanced meal schedules wreak havoc on the body's internal rhythm, causing a disconnection between hunger signals and actual meal times. When meals are irregular, the body, accustomed to a routine, may erroneously interpret these fluctuations, triggering nighttime hunger pangs. This disruption becomes a significant factor in midnight snack cravings.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Fluctuations in cortisol and ghrelin levels are pivotal in orchestrating hunger and satisfaction. They play a role in nocturnal cravings. Elevated cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," intensifies at night, prompting desires for sweet or fatty treats.
Simultaneously, heightened ghrelin is the "hunger hormone." It amplifies your appetite during the nocturnal hours and fuels the urge for midnight snacks.
Read more: 5 Yummy Homemade Pizza Recipes for Kids
Inadequate Daytime Eating
Skipping meals or inadequate calorie intake triggers heightened evening hunger. In the absence of sufficient daytime nourishment, the body enters "starvation mode" and slows metabolism to conserve energy. This often results in intense late-night hunger, particularly if dinner is skipped or kept light.
Stress and Emotional Eating
Stress induces cravings for comfort foods, rich in sugar, fat, and salt. Elevated cortisol levels during stress can increase appetite and desire for unhealthy foods. While these provide momentary pleasure, long-term consumption may contribute to weight gain and other chronic health issues.
Dehydration
Sometimes, thirst may be misconstrued as hunger, prompting unnecessary snacking. Dehydration can send signals to the brain resembling hunger, even when food is not required. Maintaining adequate water intake throughout the day aids in distinguishing thirst from hunger and diminishes the likelihood of late-night snack cravings.
Read more: 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
‘Inspire Her Wellness’: A celebratory Women’s Day Festival by Dhaka Flow
This weekend, Dhaka Flow, an innovative wellness platform, in collaboration with Baridhara Society, is thrilled to launch a pioneering festival dedicated to yoga and wellness, commemorating Women’s Day. Scheduled for March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka, the festival is being supported by Brac Bank Tara, Suzuki Motorbikes, BTI, Turaag Active, and Ispahani Blenders Choice Premium Tea.
Offering a complimentary, engaging exploration into the realms of movement, mindfulness, and health, the event aims to unite experts, enthusiasts, and the broader community for a weekend filled with educational, inspirational, and actionable wellness experiences.
Aligned with this year’s Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Her Wellness,” Dhaka Flow’s festival embodies its commitment to universal wellness. Recognising the unique challenges women face in juggling caregiving and work duties, often at the expense of their own health, the festival intends to shed light on these often-overlooked issues. Providing a nurturing environment for women and their families, the festival invites exploration of holistic health in Dhaka’s context, as detailed in a media release.
Nasrin Jahan Onika's maiden solo exhibition ‘Home’ begins at AFD
Participants can anticipate an enriching engagement with wellness professionals, hands-on classes and workshops designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional resilience, interactive Q&A sessions, nutritious dining options, and networking opportunities with peers. This in-person event pledges to empower the community to elevate their overall wellbeing and maintain fitness.
Kicking off on Friday at 10 am with an opening ceremony by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini, Shazia Omar, the festival will commence with a sound healing session. Saturday’s activities includes a wide range of workshops and classes, originating and concluding at Baridhara Society Lake Park. Remaining true to its eco-friendly ethos, the festival includes a symbolic tree planting ceremony by Dhaka Flow and Shakti Foundation, contributing to the greening of Baridhara Park.
The festival’s art zone promises creative workshops and activities suitable for all ages, alongside engaging outdoor pursuits for children and educational sessions on essential health principles. Emphasizing the importance of financial independence, time management, health awareness, and the freedoms of belief, speech, and expression, the festival aims to inspire and educate.Additionally, the festival will offer a Sufi whirling class and a journaling session. A meditation garden will host all-day mindfulness practices and support groups addressing chronic pain, cancer, depression, grief, addiction, and the challenges of raising children on the spectrum, in hopes of fostering a sense of community strength and solidarity.
‘Amar Dekha Noya Chin’: Bangabandhu’s formative journey in a travelogue-style graphic novel
Highlighting female coaches and entrepreneurs in the wellness sector, the event will also feature a farmer’s market showcasing fresh produce and organic goods from local women farmers in collaboration with FAO and ZXY International FZCO. The festival emphasizes an eco-conscious approach, avoiding plastic waste, offering vegetarian food options, and providing free activities for all attendees. Generous sponsorship from leading private sector companies underscores the festival’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles within the community.
Dhaka Flow remains dedicated to positively impacting individuals and the environment, offering resources, events, and a supportive network to encourage optimal living and environmental stewardship. For further details and registration, visit www.dhakaflow.com and follow Dhaka Flow on social media (@dhakaflowofficial).
UNB is the media partner of the event.
Read more: Which Type of Yoga Should You Try?
Free Websites for Online IELTS Mock Tests
Preparing for the IELTS (Higher Education International English Language Testing System) exam is crucial to achieving academic and professional goals. One effective way to enhance your readiness is by taking online IELTS mock tests. These practice tests are simulations of the actual exam that not only familiarise the test takers with the format of the real IELTS test; but also provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s explore some popular free online platforms to take IELTS preparation tests.
Best Free Websites for Online IELTS practice Tests in 2024
British Council Bangladesh
The British Council is one of the most reliable choices for free IELTS mock tests, particularly beneficial for Bangladeshi students. This platform uniquely focuses on the authenticity in maintaining test standards. Their tests closely emulate the actual exam, providing a realistic test environment.
The official IELTS website's free practice tests cover all sections and ensure a comprehensive simulation with detailed answer keys and band score estimations.
You can take your practice test here
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests
Read more: Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad
IELTS.live
IELTS.live distinguishes itself by offering an interactive experience, providing immediate feedback for test-takers to pinpoint areas for improvement. This free platform is valuable for those desiring dynamic practice sessions.
Additionally, this website provides free online practice tests for all sections and allows users to assess readiness and identify improvement areas. Thus it enriches the overall IELTS preparation experience. Feel free to conduct a mock test here
https://www.ielts.live/collection/23/ielts-ac-mock-with-answers-(-vol-1-)
Read more: Higher Study Opportunities in Turkey for International Students: Process, Cost
E2 Test Prep
E2 Test Prep is unique for its adaptive learning, customising difficulty levels based on individual performance for an efficient IELTS preparation journey.
The platform offers valuable free resources, including timed mock tests, vocabulary quizzes, and concise grammar lessons. It is ideal for Bangladeshi aspirants seeking a tailored and effective approach to IELTS readiness. You can take a mock test through the link below
https://promo.e2language.com/free-full-ielts-mock-test/
Read more: Higher Education Abroad: How Bangladeshis Can Open Student Files
Mentors
Mentors is one of the most popular platforms for IELTS preparation in Bangladesh. Besides offering physical classes and practice tests for IELTS preparation, Mentors offers a user-friendly online interface, providing free resources for IELTS preparation. With a diverse range of question types, the platform presents comprehensive practice experience that can be accessed online.
Perfect for self-assessment, Mentors offers free mock tests for all sections, vocabulary quizzes, and grammar lessons. Ultimately it supports a well-rounded IELTS readiness journey. You can take a practice test here
https://www.ielts-mentor.com/ielts/ielts-quiz
Read more: Study in Czech Republic: Application process, cost, scholarships
IELTS Liz
IELTS Liz emerges as another notable free resource for IELTS preparation, especially catering to Bangladeshi students. The platform garners praise for its clear explanations within comprehensive test modules.
This offers a varied array of free materials, including mock tests, vocabulary lists, and grammar lessons. So, it serves as a valuable tool for skill enhancement for IELTS preparation.
You can check your IELTS preparation through the links below
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/
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Nasrin Jahan Onika's maiden solo exhibition ‘Home’ begins at AFD
The first solo exhibition of young artist Nasrin Jahan Onika titled ‘Home’ has begun on Friday at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka, Dhanmondi in the capital.
Eminent artist Monirul Islam, renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled and Zareen Mahmud Hosein, Director of Shasha Denims Limited, attended the inauguration event as special guests.
Onika has studied under legendary painter Monirul Islam and volunteered at Studio Kala Kendra. A graduate of the Department of Printmaking at University of Development Alternative, she celebrates all that is home — habit, routine, tediousness, safety, sanctuary and also confinement.
Read: ‘Amar Dekha Noya Chin’: Bangabandhu’s formative journey in a travelogue-style graphic novel
It is a diary of the unremarkable and ordinariness of her existence and of the spaces that she inhabits. While Onika’s perspective is self-referential, she is looking creatively and critically at the world through herself, according to AFD.
The objects are hard to make out, the perspectives are skewed, and there is a strange feeling of incomplete recognition. This must be how people see when come into the world, before dimension, definition, take shape and people begin to use cache memory instead of seeing.
The exhibition consists of works on paper, canvas as well as clay pots and wood. This cataloging of the everyday is graphic and lyrical, and while Onika has tried very hard to make the writing on her canvas escryptic (writing upside down and backwards in a tiny script), she comes across clear as day.
In her art there is a grand desire to find home and belonging in oneself, in others, and in familiar objects. And there is also an awareness that those everyday things are also quite strange, and if you look at them long enough, they lead to unfamiliar doorways and realities.
"These are conditions that grant us the peace to be. For we are not here forever, not for so long at all. And while we are here, it helps to feel at home, in our skin, in our rooms, in our world, so we can love it all, with our attention," the artist said.
The exhibition will be open to all till March 12.
Ritwik Ghatak remembered on his birth centenary
Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday commemorated iconic Bangla filmmaker Ritwik Kumar Ghatak, renowned for his transformative contributions to reshaping the course of Bangla cinema history.
As part of the 4th Cinemaking International Film Festival (CIFF), Megh Foundation arranged the seminar at its office near the Bachelor Gate of Jahangirnagar University, marking the birth centenary of Ritwik Ghatak.
Indian film director Sayak Mukherjee, CIFF jury board member and senior journalist Abdur Rahman Jahangir and CIFF jury board member and actor Shamim Saikot, among others, spoke at the seminar with CIFF founder and film director Monjurul Islam Megh in the chair.
CIFF jury board member and writer Renat Sultana presented the keynote paper at the seminar moderated by Tohura Akter Tuli.
Sayak Mukherjee discussed various aspects of Ritwik Kumar Ghatak's films and his contributions to transforming Bangla films.
He highlighted how Ritwik Ghatak depicted the harsh realities of socio-economic struggles in films like "Titash Ekti Nadir Naam," "Ajantrik," "Nagarik," "Runaway," "Reason, Debate and a Story," showcasing the mastery of film language required to accomplish such a feat
The Indian film director expressed admiration for the CIFF, stating that it has gained global recognition in Bangladesh.
Abdur Rahman Jahangir praised the CIFF for representing the country internationally, saying although the festival began as an individual initiative, it is now recognised worldwide.
“As a member of the jury board, I reviewed wonderful movies from different countries. But the Bangladeshi audiences are deprived of watching these movies due to censor board’s restriction,” he said.
CIFF founder and film director Monjurul Islam Megh said CIFF has achieved recognition as one of Asia's premier international film festivals. “This is the fourth edition of our festival. Through impartial jury decisions, we present awards and honour films at our festival.”
“We strive to promote our festival globally with integrity. Our 4th edition features 351 films from 76 countries,” he said.
Despite organising such a grand event, Megh said they do not get any assistance from the government and the censorship imposed on films hinders Bangladeshi audiences from experiencing quality cinema.
Since February 16th, the 4th International Film Festival has been taking place online. Jury board members have been reviewing 351 films from 76 countries to nominate the best films and directors in various categories for awards. The awards ceremony will be held in Dhaka as part of a grand event.
‘Amar Dekha Noya Chin’: Bangabandhu’s formative journey in a travelogue-style graphic novel
In an innovative blend of art and history, the graphic novel “Amar Dekha Noya China” (The New China as I Saw) vividly portrays the myriad challenges faced by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father. Radwan Mujib Siddiq, a trustee of the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) and Bangabandhu’s grandson, shared insights into the graphic novel, revealing how it captures the relentless hurdles encountered by the Father of the Nation.
During an interview for a documentary, Radwan Mujib highlighted the struggles of conveying information to the tech-savvy younger generation and how the graphic novel bridges this gap by speaking their language. He reminisced about his childhood curiosity regarding the lack of comics about his grandfather, which planted the seed for this project. As an adult, seizing the opportunity presented by working on Bangabandhu’s unfinished autobiography, he proposed creating a graphic novel to his mother and aunt, who gave their blessing.
Art exhibition titled 'Life with Canvas' begins at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro
Radwan Mujib emphasized that the novel depicts Bangabandhu in situations rarely imagined by the public, such as contemplating mundane concerns like passport whereabouts, travel logistics, and ill-fitting suits after losing weight in jail. This humanizing portrayal offers a fresh perspective on the national leader’s life.
Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from
Dubai, known as the City of Gold, is strategically located at the crossroads of continents, making it a melting pot of diverse cultures. Known for its iconic skyline and extravagant lifestyle, Dubai is a paradise for avid shoppers seeking the finest goods on earth. Let's delve into the most renowned shopping destinations and uncover the treasures that make Dubai a shopper's dream.
What to Buy from Dubai
Gold and Diamond Jewellery
Dive into Dubai's opulence as the "City of Gold" lives up to its name. You may explore the Gold Souk and esteemed jewellery stores for a dazzling array of exquisite gold, diamond, and platinum jewellery at tax-friendly prices. Do not miss the chance to bring home a beautifully designed and reasonably priced gold piece, a quintessential Dubai souvenir.
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Boi Mela extended by two days
Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2024 has been extended by two days beyond the scheduled time.
Director general of Bangla Academy, Muhammad Nurul Huda announced this on Tuesday evening.
Holidays are for the kids at Boi Mela; sales surge, and catching Sisimpur live
He said, "The Book Fair has been extended by two days following the the kind consent of the prime minister."
Earlier, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Khalil Ahmad told media, "Today the prime minister has approved the extension of the fair by two days. We are informing the fair management committee about it now. They will make an announcement on the mike of the fair and the official notification will be issued tomorrow."
Ekushey Boi Mela sees rising visitor numbers but mixed sales
As per the declaration, the fair will be wrapped up on March 2.
On the eve of Boi Mela, publishers expecting bumper month
D's Bistro unveils 'Golper Provat' in celebration of International Mother Language Day
In a captivating celebration of language, literature, and community spirit, D's Bistro, an innovative café in the heart of the capital’s Uttara, teamed up with JCI Dhaka Sparks to curate a month-long Bangla book recitation event titled 'Golper Provat.'
The event, held every Saturday morning on February 10, 17, and 24, has not just been a literary concern but also a meeting of minds and stories, aimed at connecting passionate readers with veteran authors, according to its initiators.
Supported by Cosmos Foundation and JCI Dhaka Sparks, 'Golper Provat' opened its pages with an inaugural session featuring three distinguished writers. SM Niaz Mowla, a polymath and fiction genius renowned for mythology, history, and historical fiction, engaged the audience with a sneak peek into his latest work, "Puraner Somantorale." The writer is also the visionary behind the Pencil Foundation, a Facebook-based haven for emerging talents in literature, poetry, music, photography, recitation, and art.
Poet Nizamul Huda Khan followed, sharing insights not only as an educator but also as a backpacker and keen observer of shifting reading habits in society. His recitations knit a poetic narrative, setting the stage for Mehedi Hassan Rifat, the wordsmith behind the first Bangla book on artificial intelligence, 'ChatGPT and AI Millionaire,' showcased at this year's Ekushey Book Fair.
On February 17, the spotlight turned to the dynamic duo of literary fiction - Kingkor Ahsan and Kizzy Tahnin, whose popularity among the youth resonates with their distinctive storytelling prowess. Their journeys as writers intertwined with readings from their works, captivating the audience.
The event wrapped up on February 24 and unfolded with a lineup of well-known speakers, inaugurated by Engr Saumitra Kumar Mutsuddi, Chairman of the Civil Engineering Division, emphasising the significance of such literary activities. The 2024 local president of JCI Dhaka Sparks Sumaya Mahmud Sharna commended the organizers for nurturing literary growth in Bangladesh, steering towards a 'Smart Bangladesh.'
The stage was then graced by accomplished writers, each sharing unique insights. Mahbubur Rahman highlighted the importance of entertaining communication for writers, presenting his work "Leta Semoya."
Popular social media personality Sakib Bin Rashid shared sketches of his writing journey, emphasizing the value of maintaining everyday relationships, while Zabed Amin and Naser Mohammad Mohsin shared their literary journeys respectively.
Notable figures such as Shampa Reza and Azmeri Haque Badhon engaged the audience on not only books but also many of society’s norms, beliefs, myths, and more. Moreover, each guest was bestowed with a plant, symbolizing growth and nurturing creativity.
Co-founder and CEO of D's Bistro, Sabnin Sababa, expressed her commitment to utilizing the space for enlightenment and fostering a love for literature among the youth. D's Bistro looks forward to extending its impact by launching a 'Book Club,' envisioned as a thriving platform to connect and promote readers and writers across languages and genres.