editorial
June 2016
T
he arrival of Ramadan not only brings us closer to our spiritual needs but also instils in us patience, perseverance and a great deal of gratitude. After fasting for an entire month, we look forward to celebrating Eid with utmost fervour. During the holy month, our monthly schedule transitions in accordance to the religious practices that are commonly witnessed in our country. We often stress out over how to stay fit and eat healthy; as a result, we succumb to the temptations of crash diets and strenuous workouts. We’ve prepared a fitness guide for you so that you can fast, relish your meal and stay in shape, without having to burn yourselves out (The Ramadan Regime, p. 40). Our issue also revolves around those changes that we make to celebrate our sense of spirituality and traditions. Our Cover Story (The Spirtual Calling, p.150) looks into the shift the Ramadan culture has gone through over the years and what it has brought along the way. With that being said, we’ve put together an extravagant fashion spread so that you can prep before the occasion arrives at your doorstep. Flip through the pages to pick out the trendiest ensembles for Eid, from some of the city’s finest signature clothing lines. We hope this month brings you peace and prosperity and the Eid festivities surround you with happiness.
e r e h W
Mind is at Musing
By Raisa Rahim For those of you who need a daily dose of caffeine, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf should be your go-to place. Apart from catering designer coffee shakes, the place makes its guests feel right at home. Here are a couple of reasons why you should give it a go! Ambience Be it a fast food joint, office or household, ambience is something to take into account, if you’re looking forward to spending quality time alone or with friends. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has the perfect arrangements which make it a perfect place for a romantic date, an informal meeting or some ‘me-time.’ Delightful treats The place offers a variety of
food and beverages. From scrumptious savoury meals to refreshing espressos and lattes, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf makes an extra effort to satiate your voracious appetite! A Whiff of Happiness It certainly lives up to its name; in one word, the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, is sure to wake you up from a daze. Hello Sugar They also have a decadent array of desserts which should soothe your sweet-tooth cravings. Their cheesecake is an absolute winner alongside their heavenly ice blended coffee. Friendly atmosphere From the moment you enter till the time you leave, you will be braced with a smile throughout your visit and that indeed is value for money!
The Urban
All-rounder R
ecently, Executive Motors Ltd have unveiled the all-new BMW X1 sDrive18i; a car connoisseur’s dream come true Where style and sturdiness is concerned, the all new BMW X1 sDrive18i does right by you with its cutting-edge features. It uses powertrain and chassis technology to build systematically on the compact BMW X model’s stand-outposition as the epitome of versatile sporting ability in its segment. This new addition to Executive Motors Ltd is indeed a delight for all those auto-heads out there. With exclusive features like front/transverse-mounted four-cylinder engines engineered by BMW’s latest generation of cars helps to convert dynamic propulsion on the road assuring swift and safe driving.
Moreover, the car consists of savvy new additions such as Optional Variable Sports Steering and Dynamic Damper Control, Optional Head-Up Display and BMW ConnectedDrive. Hence it goes without saying that the new BMW X1 sDrive18i is certainly here to woo the techie and traveller among the masses.
Savoury
Exquisite
Iftar Deals
The Westin Dhaka With Ramadan right around the bend, your iftar evenings are going to heartier than ever. Some of the finest hotels in the country whips up the very best for this holy month.
T
he Westin Dhaka rolls out its red carpet for you to feast on their scrumptious iftar spread. Relish Ramadan at the signature buffet venue, Seasonal Tastes, with sumptuous Iftar delicacies followed by a full course dinner. Enjoy assorted kebabs, whole Lamb Ouzi and try out the new and hot Orange Saffron Jalebis straight from the live stations along with other traditional delicacies. Break your fast with a delicious iftar and dinner buffet at the outdoor signature pool venue Splash. Enjoy various refreshing drinks, fresh fruits, special munchies, juicy kebabs, haleem, nehari and jalebis to satisfy the healthy appetite.
Daily Treats, the ground level café, will also cater to all the iftar take-away needs. Special Iftar boxes containing chapli kebab, chicken cutlet, shammi kebab, haleem and the one-of-a-kind ‘orange saffron jalebi’ can be picked up from here along with all the other iftar treats. Guests will also be able to dine at Daily Treats during Iftar and enjoy a buffet meal at suhoor. Special arrangements for iftar and Suhoor parties at the Grand Ballroom are also being offered at a special price for corporate and social gatherings. Guests can make prior reservations by calling +88029891988 to avoid missing out.
Le Méridien Dhaka
L
e Méridien Dhaka is set to wow its guests with a matchless Ramadan spread. This year, with two additional specialty dining venues, the hotel’s food and beverages team promises even more varied and stimulating iftar and suhoor options for food connoisseurs. Latest Recipe has already achieved great reviews from overseas guests and city patrons alike with an open kitchen format in an energising and interactive setting. With over 8 live cooking stations and 11 extensive buffet islands, the restaurant will be offering an eclectic selection of carefully curated global cuisine for both iftar and suhoor. Buffet iftar with dinner will be available at Tk 4,900 net per person while buffet suhoor will be available at Tk 2,700 net per person. The restaurant is also tied with various banks and telecommunication organisation for ‘Buy One Get One’ privileges. The hotel’s rooftop-terrace Mediterranean restaurant OLEA will also be offering a buffet fare this Ramadan. With a focus on Middle Eastern cuisine this holy month, OLEA will be showcasing an extensive buffet of iftar delicacies. Between 16
June 2016 and 25 June 2016, OLEA will also be hosting a 10-day Egyptian Iftar Festival with a guest chef from Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. This will be the first time a hotel in Bangladesh will be bringing in an overseas chef for a food festival. Buffet Iftar with Dinner in OLEA will be offered at Tk 4,500 net per person, with great discount offers with partner banks and telecommunications. Last but not least, Favola, the hotel’s classic Italian dining restaurant is offering a set menu for Iftar at the price of Tk 3,900 net per person. Apart from assorted beverages and dried fruits and nuts, the menu will include mouth-watering fare including chickpeas and shrimp salad, mushroom soup, chicken lasagne, lamb shank stew, mashed potato, pizza and a variety of other items. Iftar offers in Le Meridien Dhaka will be available from Maghrib till midnight while suhoor will be available from midnight til Fazr. However, guests are advised to arrive by 18:00 hours for iftar to manoeuvre iftar rush in order to sit down for dining by adhan. Guests may contact +8801990900900 for details or table reservations.
Radisson Chittagong Bay
F
or those of you who are travelling to Chittagong during this holy month, Radisson Chittagong Bay View does right by you with their exquisite iftar offerings. Radisson
Chittagong Bay View goes all out to cater its guests the finest iftar delights. Enjoy a heartwarming meals during iftar and suhoor with your friends and family this Ramadan.
Amari Dhaka
A
mari Dhaka brings an exclusive experience of suhoor and Iftar this Ramadan under the same roof with all its outlets. Whether it’s a sumptuous repast or a budget feast, Amari Dhaka has got options to suit everyone. Alongside platters of Bangladeshi items such as chola, piyaju, aloo chop, and shahihaleem, jalebi; Amaya food gallery will be also highlighting the delicacies of Asia and Middle East, Arabic and Persian starters, assorted fresh juices and a selection of main courses. Guests can finish their meal with Arabic and Continental desserts, assorted traditional cakes and fresh fruits. During the holy month of Ramadan, Amaya food gallery is offering endless choices to suit everybody’s taste with Asian and traditional Iftar Buffet at Tk 3,163 net. For the first time Amaya is offering Suhoor buffet at Tk 2528 net. The hotel’s Cascade Lounge offers the Cascade Iftar Menu at Tk 2277 net where
families can enjoy different types of drinks such as juices, rooh afza, lassi with main dishes of chicken biriyani, chicken malai kabab, naan, salad and exceptional Ramadan sweets, dates and Amari special haleem. Also a suhoor menu is applicable at Tk 2277 net at Cascade lounge. For groups of 40 or more people, the banquet halls at level 14 are giving everyone a traditional iftar experience along with Arabian and Asian flavours. Eden Grand Ballroom will provide guests an exclusive iftar spread of traditional and international flavor in a unique Ramadan ambience. Four banquet delights will be serving at the Eden grand ballroom named as Bronze at Tk 2528 net, Silver at Tk 3161 net , Gold at Tk 3540 net, and Diamond at Tk 3793 net. For group of more than 200 people, guest can enjoy the venue as a complimentary. To celebrate the perfect iftar, you can make your reservations by calling Amari Dhaka at 01878499999.
Culture Pull BackVulture Eyes: White highlighter is used below the brows to complement the silver eyeshadow blended across the lids. A beige tone eyeshadow is used along the crease to reduce the shine. Black eyeliner is drawn along the lash lines to define the eyes. And finally, black mascara is used to coat the lashes. Cheeks: Brown and beige tone blushers are applied on the cheeks. And to highlight, silver shimmer is applied on the upper cheekbones extending towards the corner of the eyes. Lips: A peach tone lipstick is applied on the lips with a touch of gloss. Hair: The hair is blow dried and secured at the crown with a hair band to create a ponytail.
Model: Mehak Accessories: Urban Truth Photograph: Abir Hossain Noman
her get reate o t c kil Sha tips to a ou zan Far ives y n da rg am Cade R s Thi Aidha rs! a with y avat shin
n i h S
n O e
Contour Defined Eyes: Silver and white eyeshadows are applied to highlight the brow bones. The silver eyeshadow is also blended across the lid. White eyeliner is drawn on the lower lash line while black eyeliner is drawn across the crease line extending outwards and along the upper lash line. And lastly, black mascara is applied on the lashes. Cheeks: Bronze and brown blushers are used on the cheek bones. Gold shimmer is applied on the forehead, nose bridge and chin. Lips: The lips are painted with a nude tone lipstick. Hair: The hair is secured into a ponytail at the crown and twisted into a top knot.
Shimmer Splendour Eyes: Gold eyeshadow is applied across the lids. Brown eyeshadow is blended across the outer corner of the eyes followed by back eyeliner along the lash lines. Black mascara is applied on the lashes to finish the look. Cheeks: Maroon and beige blushers are blended onto the cheeks. Gold shimmer is applied on the cheekbones, forehead, nose bridge and chin for highlighting. Lips: A deep maroon lipstick is applied on the pout. Hair: The hair is done in a French twist. Comb your hair onto one side and pin it in place. Spray lightly and comb it on to one side. Twist it inwards in the opposite direction to the sweep. Tuck the ends into the tunnel
Sunburn
Beauty Alert
Blues
Fatima Faheem whips up home remedies to curb the burns during summer When your skin bears the wrath of the scorching sun, it’s almost impossible to enjoy summer. Sunburns are without a doubt the most troublesome skin ailments which not only take a toll on your skin but also your health. Even after applying ample amounts of sunscreen, one can still end up looking as rosy as a tomato! Hence, it goes without saying that the condition drains the life out of your skin. Here are a few home remedies that might help you beat the burn. Cool off When you bathe, add a cup of cider vinegar to your bath in order to keep the pH of the sunburned skin balanced and aid healing. Also, soak in some oatmeal in the tub. This works wonders for itchy sunburned skin. Moisturise Use lotions which contain aloe vera to soothe and moisturise your skin. Some aloe vera products contain lidocaine, which relieves pain and inflammation. The polysaccharides in aloe vera is known to help repair damaged skin cells and trigger the formation of new ones. The plant itself can be used to extract the gel which serves as the perfect moisturiser. Here’s how it’s done slit several big leaves down the middle; don’t cut all the way through. spread them flat, and lay them on your burn.
You can also squeeze out the gel, and apply as much as you need on your sunburn. In fact, the usage of plant is more practical when treating smaller areas, but the already available gel is easier to spread over the burn. And guess what? A combination of both works as well! Create a protein film Apply cool, NOT cold, milk with a clean piece of cloth to your skin. The milk will create a protein film that helps ease sunburn discomfort while healing. Apply cucumbers The various antioxidants and analgesic properties in cucumbers provide instant relief to scorched skin when applied chilled. It can be layed on in a number of ways, but the easiest way is to chill the cucumbers, then mash it using a blender to make a paste and finally applying it to the affected areas including the face. Tea Yes, tea! Apply freshly blended tea after it has cooled using a clean cloth. The tannic acid in black tea helps draw heat from the sunburned skin and also aids in readjusting the pH balance. Hydrate thy self The sun does not only take away the moisture from your skin but makes you dehydrated as well. To keep up with the unbeatable heat, drink lots of water and eat fruits that contain water such as watermelon, grapes, oranges etc.
Summer DIY Here’s a DIY burn cream that you can prepare at home, using easily accessible ingredients to help you get over sunburns: Whipping up a cream is pretty easy, especially when the ingredients are available. Moreover, you can experiment by adding or eliminating other ingredients which works best for you. The ingredients are: 2 tablespoons of fresh water 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel 1-2 cups of fresh mint leaves or 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil and 2-4 teaspoons of baking soda Directions i. Put 2 tablespoons of fresh water and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera in a small mixing bowl. ii. Stir well and cover the mixture, letting it blend and infuse for 2 hours. iii. After 2 hours, add 2-4 teaspoons of baking soda or corn starch, and 1-2 cups of fresh mint leaves- roughly chopped would do. iv. Add more baking soda slowly in case it seems too runny, or if it is too thick, add small amounts of water slowly until the desired consistency is achieved. v. Transfer the mixture to a jar or any container with a tight fitting lid and store it in a cool dark place for 24 hours to let the cream soak thoroughly. Preparing and storing the cream beforehand ensures that you always have a cure in hand to heal any sunburn you get during the hot summer days!
Ramadan
A
Abstinence from food is one of the main aspects of Ramadan – leading a lot of us to misunderstand and think that a whole month of eating less food might help us lose weight and be fitter (especially around that waistline) right? Keeping that in mind a lot of poor health choices are made during Ramadan; this ranges from food to exercise habits, which result in lethargy, making us eat unhealthy again. It is crucial that we plan out our month such that we end up, not only more spiritually enriched by Eid, but also physically so. Right Diet Many think of fasting as going into starvation. Your digestive system is in fact actually resting and being able to get rid of toxins for the hours between sunrise and sunset, while you don’t consume any food. That being said, it is therefore imperative that you do eat three meals during the dark hours in order to make up for the regular meals that you are now missing during the day. Iftar Although many might think this is the lesser important one of the two Ramadan meals, it is during iftar that you should consume the bigger assortment of food. That does not mean an increase in quantity, but rather the variety of fats, carbs, proteins and minerals that you eat. Tamanna Chowdhury, Clinical Dietician and Nutritionist at Apollo Hospitals Ltd, says that it is important to start with fruits; juicing
Our digestive system is in fact actually resting and being able to get rid of toxins for the hours between sunrise and sunset, while you don’t consume any food
a combination of fresh summer fruits like mango and watermelon is a good way to have that. Adding sugar is a no-no, and if sweetening is required, honey or molasses can be added instead to the drink. Any commercial drink or food with added colours should be avoided. Traditionally we tend to have fried foods like chola (chickpeas) and piyaju, which albeit delicious, just adds unhealthy fats to our resting body. Since our lifestyle now is very different from how it used to be for our ancestors who consumed such foods on a regular basis without health repercussions, it is important for us to instead switch to healthier fats such as eggs, yoghurt or even milk. Instead of piyaju, one can opt for vegetable pakora, and switch up their traditional haleem with oats instead. For desert, you can always have dates chopped up in sour yoghurt or even some honey added in, instead of opting for deep fried jilapis or sweets. Dinner This is a meal we often don’t even think of and therefore skip during Ramadan. That happens since we tend to eat a heavy and unhealthy Iftar which leaves no space for more food by the end of the evening. Tamanna mentions that this is the primary reason why most people gain weight during this month, while virtually eating less food than usual. A combination of carbohydrate and protein is a good option for this meal since it fills up the stomach and fulfils your day’s requirement so you can opt for a lighter meal at suhoor.
It is essential that you consult a doctor or a dietician before the month of Ramadan, especially if you have an existing ailment
Suhoor Our dietician points out that this meal is essentially the lunch that we are missing, so the meal plan for this should be similar. Since rice gets too heavy in the early hours of the morning, one can opt to have a light meal of atta bread with chicken and vegetables instead. One can even have cereal or oats with milk which will provide energy throughout the day, instead of something which is heavy on sugar, which initially gives energy but makes you more tired faster as your sugar levels go down. It is also crucial to drink sufficient water, more so in this Ramadan which usually falls right in the middle of summer. Burning Calories It is midsummer and the temperature tends to cross 30 degrees at times. As brutal as it sounds, maintaining a healthy workout routine is just what your body needs to stay healthy and properly metabolise the food you eat. No amount of healthy eating will help if you just sit on your desk all day or worse, take to your bed and wake up at Maghrib. Prayer in itself can be considered a form of exercise but added to that, you can do 15 minutes of cardio or even light aerobics either
right before Iftar or one hour after. These exercises can be as easy as brisk walking or stretches to moderate squats and stomach crunches. Try to get on a treadmill and jog for 30 minutes at a medium speed setting. Do not push your body if you feel exhausted. But if you eat according to the guideline mentioned above, you will have the energy to work out without any exertion. You can also start out with fewer minutes and less strenuous exercises and build up pace and intensity over time. This is a habit you can continue even after the month is over. It is essential that you consult a doctor or a dietician before the month of Ramadan, especially if you have an existing ailment; your requirements might be different from the general guideline and if you are on medication, that might need to be adjusted to suit the Ramadan meal timings. Compromising our physical self in order to enhance our spiritual one is not an ideal approach to this holy month and hence it is crucial that we exercise to keep our bodies healthy, eat right to keep it fuelled and satisfied in order to relish the holy month.
Benazir Alam speaks with legal experts about the taboos attached to divorce and domestic violence in the society
Q Barrister Sarjean Lian
Barrister Syeda Faiza Hossain
If a woman or man suffers from domestic violence, what are the legal steps that she/he can take? Under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 as well as the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Rules 2013, any victim of domestic violence or any other person on his/her behalf shall inform the matter by writing or by orally or by telephone or by email to the concerned police officer/ enforcement officer of the area. Alternatively, the victim can apply to the court to get remedy and once the applications are submitted to the court and the court, shall fix up the date of hearing within 7 (seven) working days after
here are countless reasons for a marriage to fall apart and domestic abuse happens to be one of them. However, apart from that there are other underlying problems within two people that shatter the very foundation of a marriage. The following questions have been answered by Barristers Syeda Faiza Hossain, Sarjean Rahman Lian, Anam Hossain, Belal Chowdhury at Fox Mandal Associates as well as Khaled Hamid Chowdhury, Barrister of Lincoln's Inn and an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Barrister Anam Hossain
Barrister Belal Chowdhury
receiving the application. The court may conduct the proceedings in camera. The court, on the basis of application from the victim may issue residence orders, custody order, protection order or compensation order. The court if satisfied by examining the documents that the accused has committed or possibility of committing or abetting to commit domestic violence, then interim protection order may be issued against the accused and simultaneously a show cause notice to the accused to reply within 7 (seven) working days may also be issued. If there is any personal injury or financial loss or trauma or psychological damage or damage to movable or immovable property or any possibility of such damage or loss as a result of domestic violence, he/she may file a claim for compensation. The court shall dispose of the application submitted within 6 (six) months. If a female spouse is physically abused or raped, what legal remedies can be sought? If the woman who is raped by her own husband and is under twelve years of age then he shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both under the Penal Code 1860. If Husband voluntarily causes hurt to his spouse,
If there is any personal injury or financial loss or trauma or psychological damage or damage to movable or immovable property or any possibility of such damage or loss as a result of domestic violence, he/she may file a claim for compensation
then he shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand taka, or with both. If Husband voluntarily causes grievous hurt to his spouse, the he shall be punished with imprisonment of either for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. If Husband voluntarily causes grievous hurt to his spouse by means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance, or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow, or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years. If Husband throws or attempts to throw any substance burner, caustic or poisonous over his spouse, he shall be punished, if his spouse is injured physically, mentally or otherwise in consequence of such act, with rigorous imprisonment of either description which may
extend to seven years but not less than three years and also with fine not exceeding fifty thousand taka under the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act 2000. In case of a divorce, what can a woman do if the family refuses to pay alimony and accuses her falsely of infidelity? Maintenance/alimony is a wife's right which cannot be denied by the husband unless the wife refuses to stay with him without any justifiable reason. However, according to the Muslim Family Law Ordinance of 1961, in case of divorce the husband is required to pay maintenance during the pendency of the 'iddat' period which extends to three menstrual cycles of the wife and depending on the nature of the divorce may be observed prior to or subsequent to the divorce. After the iddat period the obligation to pay maintenance seizes. Payment of maintenance cannot be refused o any ground whatsoever apart from the reason mentioned. Any allegation of infidelity may attach to other kinds of sanctions only if it s proved in a court of law. However, in case of refusal to pay maintenance using false allegations of infidelity, the wife is entitled to legal recourse for recovery of maintenance.
Khaled Hamid Chowdhury
Photographs by Kazi Mukul
In case one parent wins custody of the child/ children, what mutual and legal agreements can both parents come to in order to allow the other parent to visit their children? If one parent secures custody of a child by a decree of a court of law, upon application of the other parent the same court may decide on the other parent's visiting rights. The parties may also enter into an agreement in relation to the visiting rights irrespective of whether or not a decree in relation to the custody subsists.
Bhutan, a small town with clean environment. The chief tourist attractions of Phuentsholing are AmoChuu, the Crocodile Breeding Centre, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, the gate at the border (called Bhutan Gate) and Karbandi Monastery
Photographs of Sri Lanka by Saud A Faisal, Photographs of Bhutan by Rouham Manzoor, Photographs of Myanmar by Sohana Nasrin
or an avid traveller, embarking on a journey within South Asia is like unravelling a bowl of thread; one destination leads you to another and the expedition never comes to a standstill. Here are a few sights that are so breathtaking that words fall short in describing their beauty Bhutan The value for money is not so satisfactory here- yes you heard me right. You have to plan at least $250 per day to be able to enjoy this country to the fullest. But in all fairness, Bhutan’s strategy is low volume and high quality tourism. Besides, the sky and the weather will make you want to be a billionaire so that you can stay here for as long as you want. Bhutan is a country that will definitely remind you of the true meaning of cultural authenticity. On the streets, traditional dresses are the preferred attire and their local language Dzongka and Sharchop is predominant. Native Dzongka-style architectural features still grace every building while Buddhism colours just about every aspect of life. When it comes to culinary art, Bhutanese are fans of spices. When the Bhutanese folks claim that chilli is their favourite vegetable, rest assured, it’s no joke! Must-see places When you are in Bhutan, be sure to explore The Land of the Thunder Dragon; the site has been a mountaineer’s paradise for many years. Furthermore, the famous places such as Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Phobjikha, Gangtey, Haa, and Punakha are rather known for monasteries, nunneries and great mountain valleys. Thimphu, one of the culturally must see places in Bhutan, is a charming capital city nestled in the Himalayas with the beautiful sights of the Chuu River flowing through it. Interestingly, it is the only city in the world with no traffic lights. Thimphu has retained its culture and old world charm since modern development is closely monitored; as a result, new buildings can be built only in Bhutanese style and up to a certain height. Next must see place is Paro, a valley in Bhutan, surrounded by lush green rice fields. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the ‘golden triangle’ of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. Phuentsholing, another must visit place in Bhutan, is a small town with clean environment. The chief tourist attractions of Phuentsholing are AmoChuu, the Crocodile Breeding Centre, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, the gate at the border (called Bhutan Gate) and Karbandi Monastery. Bumthang Valley, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, is full of ancient and precious Buddhist sites. Wangduephodrang, another popular
place in Bhutan, is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Air route Druk Air is your only option when you are headed to Bhutan. Make sure you visit their website to check the dates of flights. Books to Bring Married to Bhutan by Linda Leaming tells the story of a woman and how she got lost and discovered bliss again when she said “I do” in the Bhutanese context. Some other good options are: Bhutan: Land of Thunder Dragon by John Berthold, The Dragon’s Voice by Bunty Avieson etc. Myanmar Mingalabar- that’s the word you will hear the most in Myanmar, take a guess what it means! This sweet Burmese word is often translated as ‘hello’ but it means more than that; it can be easily translated as ‘may you be fortunate and prosperous.’ Wherever you go, people will never forget to wish you good fortune in Myanmar, a place where people practise hospitality and peace in every alley. Located as the crossroad of Thailand, Laos, China and India, sharing a border with Bangladesh, the country is a land of diverse culture, natural beauty and an interesting history. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is going through a huge transformation right now as the first democratic government just took over the military regime. Buzzing with travel enthusiasts, Myanmar is genuinly turning into one of the most sought after destinations in the South East Asia. If you want to experience the transformation of a democratic society first hand, rejuvenate your soul with enigmatic beauty and experience some rich traditions, then you ought to head towards Myanmar at once. Must see places Bagan tops all the places that make the list of the ‘must see’ locations in Myanmar. Bagan is home to nearly 2000 pagodas (more pagodas are discovered everyday)
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is going through a huge transformation right now as the first democratic government just took over the military regime
that are being built since the 11th century. With enigmatic view of the land where thousands of tourists assemble to watch the sunset amidst the beautiful architectures of pagodas, Bagan beats all the tourist destinations in Myanmar. Next most attractive place is Inle Lake, the five-kilometre canal that suddenly opens into a lake; its beauty is breath-taking. There are gardens and floating markets, as there are people who live in houses built on the lake. You really have to be there to be able to grasp the beauty; it truly is wonderful! If you like landscapes, Pyin O Lwin is your place. 2-3 hours drive from Mandalay, this place is known for its English style houses and clean and beautiful landmarks. On your way to Pyin O Lwin, be sure to stop at Mandalay, the last Royal Capital of Myanmar located nearly 700 km north of Yangon between the mighty Ayeyarwaddy river and the Shan plateau. Last but not the least, Yangon- the metropolitan city, is definitely worthy of making your destination. Be sure to enjoy the food, weather, shops, downtown streets and nightlife in Yangon- you will be
amazed, guaranteed. Air route Biman Bangladesh and Novo Air offer regular flights from Dhaka to Yangon at an affordable price. After reaching Yangon, take domestic flights to Mandalay or just drive there. The roads are so broad and beautiful that you will have one of your best driving experiences ever. There are also buses for budget travellers. Visa process is pretty easy; you need to have your hotel and air tickets booked though. Make sure you also have a workable itinerary; the visa office might get a little curious! Books to bring along Why not read about George Orwell’s Burmese Days while you experience yours! You can get it at the beautiful bookstores in Yangon too; it seems to be a popular read there. Some other books to consider are: The Lonely Planet Burma guide, Freedom from Fear by Aung San Suu Kyi, The River of Lost Footsteps by Thant Myint U, The Glace Palace by Amitabh Ghosh etc.
Contemporary Cambodia is the successor state to the mighty Khmer empire, which, during the Angkorian period, ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam
Cambodia To many of us, Cambodia is known as the land of depressing history, but do not cling to myths because the people in this country are anything but depressing. With their radiant smiles, they will welcome you which will most certainly have you going back for more. Despite holding the eighth wonders of the world, the real gem in this country is its people. Contemporary Cambodia is the successor state to the mighty Khmer empire, which, during the Angkorian period, ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The remains of this empire can be seen through the fabled temples of Angkor, monuments unrivalled in scale and grandeur in Southeast Asia. Its urban areas can surprise you with their sophistication. Chaotic yet charismatic capital Phnom Penh is a revitalised city earning plaudits for its gorgeous riverside location, cultural renaissance, and world-class wining-and-dining scene. Must see places Siem Reap, the town closest to a vast complex of ancient Hindu/Buddhist temples is in fact a tourist bubble (with 127 hotels from hostel to ultra luxe). You can do a ton of things in Siem Reap, like watching the sunrise at Angkor Wot with thousand other tourists, or just stroll on the roads to try out tasty street foods. If you’re fond of beaches, do visit Sihanoukville. Unlike Victory or Serendipity Beach, Otres Beach is a lot less popular given the fact the environment is
quiet. It’s also a good spot to try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking. Once famous for its salt and pepper production, Kampot is a charming riverside town. Spend your day watching the river, slurping noodles and cycling through the hills. However, to experience real Cambodia, you need to take a tour to Battambang. Treading along the banks of the Sangker River is what makes the experiences in Battambang an absolute delight. Air route Bangkok Airways offer flights from Dhaka to Phnom Phen via Bangkok. Cambodian visa is on arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders. You only need to show the return air ticket, itinerary, passport and immigration clearance at the arrival desk. Books to Bring Along Cambodian Folk Stories from the Gatiloke by Kong Chhean- this book contains a handful of 112 folk stories in the Gatiloke, which was used by Cambodian monks to teach their faith. A Dragon Apparent by Norman Lewis, Phnom Penh by Milton Osborne, Pol Pot’s Litlte Red Book by Henri Locard- all these are great books to learn about Cambodia. Sri Lanka Right after you step into Sri Lanka, you’ll understand why this tiny island is called the wonder of Asia. Don’t let its size fool you
Sri Lanka is Asia’s ultimate tropical paradise with its lush green landscapes and urban festivities that are truly close to nature
though; this little jewel offers endless miles of golden beaches and is bursting with natural treasures. Sri Lanka is Asia’s ultimate tropical paradise with its lush green landscapes and urban festivities that are truly close to nature. The country has allured travellers for centuries; in fact, Marco Polo described it as the finest island of its size in the world. Sri Lanka packs an extraordinary variety of places to visit within its modest physical dimensions. Lapped by the Indian Ocean, the coast is fringed with idyllic and often refreshingly under-developed beaches, while the interior boasts a compelling variety of landscapes ranging from wildlife-rich lowland jungles, home to extensive populations of elephants, leopards and rare endemic bird species, to the misty heights swathed in immaculately manicured tea plantations. Must see places Up in the Hill Country, lies Kandy - a city of history and green hills where there are gorgeous lakes. It also comprises an array of gemstone
specialists, antique stores and saree markets. Tea gardens are a popular sighting in Sri Lanka purely because the country is the 3rd largest tea producer in the world. If you’re up for a bit of hiking, this SL gem will fit into your trip nicely. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 1,214ft high stone structure in the central district of Sri Lanka. It's thought to be a 'magma plug' from a now extinct and long-disappeared volcano. Drive south of Colombo on the Galle Road and you'll eventually reach the south coast, where you'll find some of the prettiest beaches on the island. On your way out from this pretty country, be sure to say ‘hi’ to the elephants at the Yala National park. Books to Bring Along The Far Field: A Novel of Ceylon by Edie Meidav is a good book to read on this trip. Some other books to consider are: The Last Theorem by Arthur C Clarke and Frederik Pohl, Reef by Romesh Gunsesekera and Bodies in Motion by Anne Mohanraj.
Designer’s Dairy
Painted in Pastels
Rubab Nayeem Khan learns all about Fariya Tazin’s stunning designer wear, ‘Polka Drops’ ong kameez have been a reigning trend in the rising demand for chiffon and light weight georgette. market since 2010. Keeping that in mind, the People these days are always on the look out for local designers in Dhaka are tweaking up the comfort – a dress that’s more manageable, durable and fashion scene with their fresh new easy to maintain,” she highlights. According to Fariya, perspectives. Fariya Tazin’s clothing line floral and abstract designs in pastel shades, calligraphy ‘Polka Drops’ have gained popularity within a short and ribbon work are getting popular. She believes that span of time. From flowy kurtas to summer-hued customers prefer something comfy as opposed to ensembles, the designer’s craft comes adorned in glaring, without losing any taste for unique designs that shades, prints and embroidery which are a perfect fit flatter ones’ physique. A passionate designer and an avid follower of global for any and every occasion. When asked about her choice of stitch work and fabric, trends, Fariya aspires to see herself amongst the international giants at Fariya says, “Material wise, some point of her career. I love to go for a radical “My collection consists of “There’s this glut of departure from the miscellaneous designs which make exquisite brands from convention. I have always them them diverse. Also, there’s a which it’s difficult to pick been an eclectic pursuer in hint of novelty blended in with my material, so diversity from, but I’d love to work won’t be unusual in my flamboyance which certainly makes with Alexander Macqueen. work. Two distinctive His work remained an it something to look out for” features of my outfits are inspiration and a great comfort and affordability, alongside smart colour influence over the years. Oscar de la Renta is also one combinations in unique cuts.” However, that’s just the of my favourites,” shares Fariya. tip of the iceberg; her signature designs include The spirited designer, Fariya concludes by describing hand-stitched stone work, appliqué, dabka as well as her ensembles as ‘diverse,’ ‘reasonable,' and zardosi. ‘eye-catching.’ “My collection consists of Having been in the fashion scene for quite some time, miscellaneous designs which make them diverse. Also, Fariya is well aware of what thrives in the market. there’s a hint of novelty blended in with flamboyance “We’ve got to introduce something that’s going to which certainly makes it something to look out for,” appeal to a certain number of people. So far I’ve seen a wraps up Fariya.
Designer Fariya Tazin Photograph by Kazi Mukul
Grace An Epitome of
By Aydha Mehnaz
Modest fashion is not a new trend at the forefront of fashion; it has existed among us for generations. It’s basically how we grew up watching our moms get dressed all these years. Recently, modest fashion has taken centre stage in almost all the fashion capitals in the world. More so with mainstream fashion designers and labels like UNIQLO, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as Isetan, the trend continues to grow exponentially. So what is modest fashion? The popular belief now is that modest fashion is a universal way of how women like to dress conservatively irrespective of their geographic location or religious background. Modest fashion basically comprises of easy, loose, modest silhouettes and elegant styles that cover the entire body. Modest fashion designers are elevating the concept of traditional modest wear and translating it into edgy styles to attract young women. The growing participation of modest fashion designers in fashion weeks and the increasing followers on social media is what makes it all the more exciting and trendy. In order to serve the nearly 500 billion dollar industry, according to research studies conducted by Thomson Reuters, modest fashion must have its own International Fashion Week.
Haydarpasa Gari, a historical train station, over 100 years old connected from Asia to Europe, is the first railway of Istanbul, Turkey. This historic station was chosen as the venue to host the first ever Interntional Modest Fashion Week that has set the standards for future fashion shows. The Fashion Week was sponsored by Modanisa, top e-commerce platform for modest fashion according to a research conducted by the Global Islamic Economy Summit in 2015. For the first time ever, MAC cosmetics was associated with the Modest Fashion event along with many notable mainstream media such as the Daily Mail UK, Washington post, Business of Fashion, who gave positive reviews of the Istanbul Modest Fashion Week. The two-day event that took place in Istanbul from May 13-14 showcased over 70 modest fashion brands from all across five continents, on the runway. Also, fashion photographers were given the opportunity to exhibit their art in modest fashion. The designers displayed a variety of collections ranging from casual to haute couture evening and bridal wear. The show was a treat to for the audience as they got to rendezvous with some of the greatest fashion icons and their inspirational works.
W
hen planning for a day out with friends or an evening with the family, we often find ourselves rummaging through the wardrobe for a pair of shoes that match our dress. The days of fretting over footwear has finally come to an end! KR shoes are the perfect pick-me ups for any occasion. Be it a simple strappy sandal or a sturdy heel, KR does right by you with their detailed craftsmanship. Alongside style, they’ve also added comfy to the equation so that you can look and feel good at the same time. The best part about KR’s
collection is that, it meshes well with all shades of colour; so if you want to tweak up your bold dresses with mute colours, beige and brown toned heels will certainly give contrast to your ensemble. For those of you who want to look preppy yet traditional, their multi-hued flats should complete your look. Whether it’s for iftar or for Eid, amp up your glam quotient with KR’s range of chic stilettos, unique wedges and comfy flats! KR has showrooms in Pink City, Gulshan-2 and Banani, Road -11. www. facebook.com/collectionKR
108
Culture Vulture
Against
All Odds
Staying within the fringes of mainstream cultures, Aidha Cader, ICE Today’s culture connoisseur has inculcated an appreciation for food, history, travel and art beyond her comfort zone
Whether it’s stereotyping someone or being a victim of stereotype, we’ve all been on both ends. It is society’s way of categorising us into groups so that we are examined, rationalised and tailored to meet certain perceived ideals. Yet, each one of us is unique and diverse at the same time. For some of us, like myself this notion is something I often feel compelled to challenge. A few weeks ago the Guggenheim Museum in New York launched an exhibition featuring the works of Middle Eastern and North African artists, challenging preconceived ideas. The exhibition titled ‘A Storm is Blowing from Paradise’ based on German philosopher, Walter Benjamin’s excerpt from ‘Theses on the Philosophy of History’. The theme was chosen to highlight the connection between politics and perception. Artist Mariam Ghani’s two channel installation, ‘A brief history of collapses,’ shows the parallels of two buildings in two simultaneous videos; the Museum Fridericianum in Kassel, Germany and the Darul Aman Palace in Kabul that draws the viewers’ attention towards architectural similarities in the two cultures. Also on display. is the ‘Flying Carpets,’ a mobile
made of stainless steel and rubber tubes by Nadia Kaabi-Linke. It is a reference made to the magic carpet narrative as well as the blankets that street vendors use to pack and transport their wares. All the artworks from the region fulfils the curator’s desire to merge the global symbolic significance of pattern and geometry and its aesthetic tradition. In an interview to BBC World, Ghani highlighted the cultural awareness in light of the political rhetoric that is served by some of today’s presidential hopefuls in the US. She also focused on the importance of bringing Middle Eastern art to New York in order to highlight global bonds that art and artists can bring irrespective of who they are. British Bangladeshi artist Tasleema Alam, now residing in Dhaka, has been invited by Southbank Arts Centre UK to conduct a workshop on South Asian heritage for the Alchemy festival in May and explains that sacred art communicates a language of the ‘Ever True.’ Mathematical forms embedded in nature and exploring these patterns helps to relate our existence to our immediate environment. “It is an art that transcends all definitions and boundaries focusing on what unifies rather than what divides us all"
she adds. She further highlights, "be it Leonardo’s ‘Mona Lisa,’ the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramid, the cubic Ka’ba or the Mandalas of eastern faiths, there are universal geometric codes that transcend race, religion and culture. It is a contemplative art that liberates us from the definitions we use to categorise ourselves,”. The compelling quality of sacred art is to reflect, be inspired and seek a coherent connection to our unity in an ever-divisive global sphere. “Islamic art, though not geographically bound, is a revival of ancient wisdoms from
Golden Ratio
various cultures; an artistic tradition par excellence by Muslim scholars/ artisans which has universal appeal and is currently seeing a global renaissance,” she adds. There is resurgence toward such patterns today. Fashion brands such as H&M, Banana Republic and Dolce & Gabbana are using what was traditionally seen as Islamic art patterns to filter into mainstream fashion markets and thereby breaking the chains of stereotyping through art and fashion. I also sat with Maleena Dhrity Gomez, who recently showcased her work at ‘The InvisiBellas.’ This was a street art project initiated by the Dhaka Hub of Global Shapers, aiming to illustrate real-life situations faced by local women in today’s society. Hosted at
Bengal Art Lounge, it was an artistic movement aimed at breaking the existing mindset of the masses so that women can be praised for their work and not what society perceives them to be. Maleena’s artwork titled ‘Aparajaya’ – undefeated, portrays the beauty within acid victims and not the physical scars that they are left with. For Maleena, the art was a personal journey. “While travelling in a three-wheeler someone threw a liquid at me. My first reaction was, is it acid?” she explains with tears in her eyes. Luckily, for Maleena the ordeal was only psychological as it was dirty water instead. However, the experience made her aware of the trauma such patients go through and have to live with. That helped her reconsider what beauty is? Is it one’s complexion, one’s physique, one’s hair or facial features, or is it something deeper? “For acid victims, it’s a constant struggle to show the beauty that lies within them and to break free from outwardly impressions,” she explains. further elaborated, “ This was why I thought of portraying women with beautiful flowers blooming from the scars. It’s my way of showing the beauty within them.” The media is constantly bombarding us with certain ideals, as a result we are often confused as to what our identity is or what our ideals should be. Am I fair or dark? Am I fat or thin? Is my hijab a means of subjugation or liberation? Is my dress Western or Eastern? And in this confused world, artists, both traditionalist and modernist, are breaking these barriers to introduce new viewpoints. Be it global fashion brands using traditional art to create new fashion, young Bangladeshi artists who are changing social perceptions or iconic art institute that fight off fascism, art and artists are breaking the stereotype and helping us redefine who we really are.
Mariam Ghani
Tasleema Alam
Maleena Dhrity Gomez
Recipes
b a b e K e Th
Story
Aidha Cader samples the flavours of assorted kebabs for you. Photographs by Abu Naser
From the spicy Awadhi cuisine to the bites delicately spiced with pepper, cinnamon and cardamom for the Turkish Sultans, the kebab has seen many changes through its historical journey from Central Asia to India.
Raan Buzkazzi
Photographs from Khazana Restaurant
Kebabs were first introduced to the people of Indian subcontinent by the Persian invaders during the rise of Islamic caliphate. When Ibn Battuta travelled to India in 1344, he was served a multitude of kebab dishes for breakfast and a whole lamb cooked with delicate spices as festive meals at the royal court of the Delhi Sultanate. Ingredients 1 lamb leg, fat trimmed 1 tbsp salt 2 tsp red chilli powder ¼ cup ginger and garlic paste ¼ cup vinegar 2 bay leaves 1 cinnamon stick, broken into 1-inch pieces 1 tbsp black cumin seeds 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp kebab masala For the kebab masala: 1 ½ tsp dried raw mango powder 1/4 tsp cumin powder and salt 1 tsp fenugreek powder ½ tsp black salt 1/2 tsp red chilli powder ½ tsp garam masala Preparation Loosen the meat from the bone at the top of the leg. Once that is done, rub salt and red chilli powder. Next, rub the ginger and garlic pastes and pour the vinegar. Set aside to marinade overnight in a refrigerator. Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and sprinkle black cumin on top. Cover with a foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for two hours. Turn the heat down to 300F, remove the foil and let it cook until the liquid dries out. Skewer the braised leg and roast on charcoal grill, while basting it with clarified butter. Continue roasting until the meat turns brown. Remove from the grill and drizzle with lemon juice, butter, and kebab masala.
Photographs from The Westin Dhaka
Lamb Kofta Turkish and Persian influence of medieval courts reached its height during the Delhi Sultanate. However, the next wave of invaders from Mongol stock led by Timur sacked Delhi in 1398. The battle was followed by the establishment of the Lodi dynasty. During this period, Afghan dishes immersed into the royal courts. Afghan kebab, mostly made of lamb served with naan instead of rice, soon became popular among the locals.
Ingredients 100g lamb, minced 30g lamb fat 100g onion, chopped 50g coriander, chopped 2 tbs chilli paste 20g pine Nuts Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Mix all the ingredients together and set aside for 30 minutes. Divide the mixture into 50g balls and roll each ball into a 4-inch long kofta with your palms. Place them over a hot grill and cook on both sides with a basting of melted butter. One can serve the dish with mint yoghurt raita.
Photographs from Lucknow, Dhaka
Paneer Tikka
Near Eastern influences were deep seated into the subcontinent during 1526 with the arrival of the Mughal Empire. Persian and Afghan cooks accompanied the early Mughal rulers. It was however, under Akbar’s reign that the local spices and food cultures began to amalgamate into the royal cuisine. Also, after the royal marriage to his Hindu Rajput Queen, the culinary preferences at the court began to change. For instance, Akbar refrained from eating meat on Fridays and gradually vegetarian delicacies entered the royal cuisine.
Ingredients 200g paneer, cut into thick slices 1 of green, red and yellow bell pepper, cut into large squares 1 onion, cut into large squares Oil for basting Marinade ½ cup, hung yoghurt 1½ tsp chilli powder ½ tsp cumin powder 1tsp coriander powder ½ tsp garam masala ½ tsp fennel seeds powder 1tsp chaat masala
1tsp dried mango powder ¼ tsp black pepper powder 1tsp dried fenugreek leaves Salt to taste 2 tsp ginger garlic paste 1½ tsp lemon juice Preparation Mix all the above ingredients together for the marinade. Coat the paneer and vegetables with the mixture and set aside for 30 minutes. Thread the paneer with the vegetables onto wooden skewers and place it over a hot coal grill. Baste it with melted butter and cook until it changes colour. And finally, serve with a drizzle of lime juice.
Hariyali Chicken Tikka During Shah Jahan’s reign from 1627-58, details of the banquet culture and the foods he liked was well documented. The food was served on a dastarkhana (tablecloth) around which three men would sit in a triangle. At least 50 dishes were served before the guests. The extensive use of green chillies was popular during this period and food was decorated in colours of purple and green.
Photographs from Lucknow, Dhaka
Ingredients 6 chicken breasts, cut into squares, 4 tbsp oil, 1 onion, chopped 2 tbsp garlic and ginger paste 8 green chillies, finely chopped 3 large handfuls of baby spinach leaves, 2 lemons, juiced 1 handful of coriander leaves 15 mint leaves 20 roasted cashews, 100g butter, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tbsp cumin powder ½ tsp turmeric, 3 tbsp yoghurt, Salt and pepper
Preparation Heat oil in a pan, add onions, green chillies and fry until the onions become translucent. Mix in the spices, ginger and garlic paste, followed by the spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted. Remove the pan from the stove and set aside to cool. Blend the spinach mixture with lemon juice, cashew, butter, fresh herbs and yoghurt. Once the marinade is blended. Add salt and pepper. Mix it in with the chicken cubes. Set aside in a refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Thread the chicken into skewers and grill over hot coal on both sides.
Kebab Kebab Hendy Hendy
Photographs Photographsfrom fromThe TheWestin WestinDhaka Dhaka The The exotic exotic kebab kebab gourmets gourmets came cametotoexistence existenceininthe thelater later years yearswith withthe thedecline declineofofthe the Mughal MughalEmpire. Empire.AsAsthe theBritish British Raj Rajsliced slicedupupthe thesubcontinent, subcontinent, the the princely princely states states ofof the the Nizam’s Nizam’s and and the the Nawab’s, Nawab’s, battled battled out out rich rich culinary culinary traditions. traditions. InIn the the courts courts ofof Lucknow, Lucknow,Hyderabad, Hyderabad,Bihar Biharand and Calcutta, Calcutta,royal royalcooks cookscompeted competed against against each each other.Large other.Large banquets banquets were were organised organised byby the the rulers rulerstotoentertain entertainthe theBritish British and and other other royals royals toto demonstrate demonstrate regional regional culinary culinary superiority. superiority. The The humble humble Delhi Delhi shami shami kebabs kebabs transformed transformed toto‘avadi ‘avadi kakori’ kakori’ and and soso forth. forth.
Ingredients Ingredients 100g 100glamb, lamb,minced minced 160g 160gonion, onion,chopped chopped 20g 20gparsley parsley Sauce Sauce 1 onion, 1 onion,chopped chopped 40g 40ggarlic garlicpaste paste 50g 50gone oneofofred, red,yellow yellowand and green greencapsicum, capsicum,cubes cubes 40g 40gtomato tomatopaste paste 2 tbsp 2 tbspoiloil ½½cup cuplamb lambstock stock Salt Saltand andpepper peppertototaste taste
Preparation Preparation Mix Mix thethe lamb lamb with with minced minced onions, onions,parsley, parsley,salt saltand andpepper. pepper. Make Makekebabs kebabsand andbake bakeinina a preheated preheatedoven ovenatat180C 180Cforforsixsix minutes. minutes.Prepare Preparethethesauce saucebyby heating heatingoiloilinina apan panfollowed followedbyby garlic garlicand andonions. onions.Fry Fryuntil untilthethe mixture mixtureturns turnsbrown brownand andstirstirinin thethetomato tomatopaste. paste.Mix Mixwell welland and simmer simmer forfor five five minutes. minutes. Pour Pour thethe stock stockand andthethecapsicums. capsicums.Cook Cook until untilthethesauce saucethickens. thickens.Pour Pour over overthethekebabs kebabsand andserve. serve.
Photographs from Shiraz Mughlai Feast
Tangdi Kabab Ingredients 8 chicken drumsticks, skinned 1/2 tbsp lemon juice 1 cup drained yoghurt 3 tsp ginger-garlic paste 2 tbsp gram flour 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp garam masala, dry roasted 1 tsp chilli powder 2 green chillies, minced 1 tsp chaat masala Oil for basting Salt to taste Lemon wedges and sliced onion to garnish Preparation Wash the chicken drumsticks and make slits on the surface. Marinate it with lemon juice and set aside for 30 minutes. Mix gram flour, yoghurt, turmeric powder, ginger and garlic paste, green chillies, red chilli powder, garam masala and salt. Coat each drumstick with the marinade for at least two hours. Place the chicken over a hot coal grill or tandoor and cook on both sides while basting oil over it. Sprinkle chaat masala and garnish with lemon wedges. You can wrap the joint end of the drumsticks with foil for convenience.
The Nawabs love of kebabs including ‘Tunde Kebab’ made by the one handed royal chef has been a legendary tale. When Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawb of Awadh was exiled by the British in 1856 to the outskirts of Kolkata it is believed he brought along with him his royal cooks and spice mixes. The culinary evolution in this region was the widespread use of beef instead of lamb. The popular local dish ‘Sutil kebab’ retains its original characteristic even today. As the princely states eventually declined the royal chefs continued to pass down their culinary skill to the future generations and a lively street food culture inherent with royal cuisines took hold in the streets of Bengal.
Cover Story ICE Today looks into the changing Ramadan culture in fast paced cities
T
The swirling steam from the massive kadai sends out the aroma of the fried chola. Our grandmothers and mothers join forces by taking over the kitchen to ground lentils to fry piyajus. Gradually the toiling comes to an end, and all the iftar items are plated up, minutes before the call of Adhan. As the clock slowly ticks away, we can’t help but eye the assortment of meals spread out all over the table. However, the sound of the Maghrib prayer puts us at ease and we take the first sweet sip of water to break our fast. Observed once every year, Ramadan is an integral part of the Muslim culture.
Moktadir Dewan Shanto
Not only does the holy month teach us to endure hunger, but it also instils a great sense of patience and perseverance among us. As the years go by, the fasting culture changes thoroughly. What was once celebrated within families, have now spread out among neighbours, friends as well as colleagues. In other words, the iftar culture is no longer confined to the usual practices. The meals too have gone through a tremendous shift. Apart from the regular bora, beguni, chola, and chira, Dhaka has expanded its horizon by catering a variety of cuisines from oriental to fast foods for iftar. By late afternoon, shops and restaurants setup their iftar stalls which are often packed with throngs of people coming from all walks of life. Gone are the days when the neighbourhood would wake up to the beats of drum played by a group of people in the street during suhoor. With the introduction of technology, the drum is being replaced by alarm clocks in many areas of the city. Once upon a time, the streets and the shopping malls would be empty by iftar. But much has changed now; today, shopping malls are full to the brim with customers.. During this month, the busy schedules in every field of work are cut short. However, work never comes to an end. Even during the holy month, people toil through a strict 9-5 regime without letting the pangs of hunger get the best of them. For some, the work shifts may just be more than five hours; and for others, the paperwork might follow them all the way back home. Whatever the job maybe, the corporate world never quite rests, not even for Ramadan. Despite the changes of the month, people still embrace the highs and lows of the holy month with arms wide open. Whether it’s making last minute reservations at restaurants or counting the minutes left till iftar, Ramadan spreads cheer all the way. In light of that, we speak to some of our favourite personalities to know how this month affects them, for better or for worse. Moktadir Dewan Shanto, RJ at Radio Shadhin 92.4FM, says that the practices during Ramadan don’t hamper his lifestyle. “In the last few years, it didn't seem to be any different from a regular day. I had to work throughout.” For Moktadir, productivity during Ramadan depends entirely on the
Iresh Zaker
Fahmida Nabi
workflow and timing. Although the rush during fasting is something that comes along the way, it doesn't really affect him much. Executive Director of Asiatic JWT, Iresh Zaker knows how to brave the challenges during Ramadan. “I have an early dinner and go to bed. Then I wake up during suhoor to have a glass of water. It doesn’t really change my overall progress throughout the day,” he says. However, Iresh does acknowledge that here is a lack of energy during the month. “Shooting out in the sun can be very dehydrating. It can get tiresome, but there is nothing to do; the work needs to be done. I try to make up for the lack of energy by having tea or coffee during iftar.” Iresh points out that fasting for an entire day burns him out and then eating during iftar adds to his fatigue. “I try to have little portions of food with break. I keep myself hydrated as much as possible during iftar by having lots of fluids. This decreases my appetite a little so that after having some bites, I can go for a break and eat again afterwards. This stops me from feeling very tired and helps me feel fresh,” he elaborates. But even when the going gets tough, exercising self control doesn’t put a damper on Iresh’s busy schedule. “Because of the dehydration and the lack of energy, I tend to stay a bit agitated. But then I try to keep myself calm and composed as much as possible during this month,” he
concludes. Singer Fahmida Nabi reckons that there is a instinctive sense of awareness during Ramadan and fasting does in fact bring about a change in lifestyle. “I try to have suhoor by 2 am which is kind of like a late night dinner. This doesn’t really stray much from my regular lifestyle, hence it does not hamper my work progress,” shares Fahmida. But while she takes the challenges of fasting in stride, the only thing Fahmida misses during the holy month is having a cup of tea for breakfast. “One of the things I find most difficult in Ramadan is not having my cup of tea in the morning. That’s the only thing which affects me during the day,” she chuckles. Productivity wise, Fahmida feels that the list of things to do increases tenfold during Ramadan such as working on Eid programs. Regardless of the pressure, Fahmida manages to balance both work and her faith without one hampering the other. “The schedule is such that we finish our iftar and rush to recording or shooting which take long hours, after which we come home late at night and unwind,” adds Fahmida. Despite all the changes, the true essence of Ramadan holds till date. After a long day of fasting, families get together and muster up the strength to go for Taraweeh prayers. It’s the only month of the year where we all become one through the spiritual practices. Upon hearing the Maghrib Adhan, calmness prevails in the environment, which indeed ignites peace within our bodies and minds.
Events
Six Season’s Iftar Offer This Ramadan, Six Seasons Hotel is observing the holy month with two signature restaurants, offering scrumptious Iftar and buffet dinner with spectacular view of the lake and the city. Last year being a huge success, both Bunka and Sky Pool restaurant are excited to provide the best offer and service for an even better Iftar experience this June. The two riveting restaurant offers will definitely give a better ending to your day long fast with traditional Iftar items such as bora, samosa, piaju, beguni, halim and other specialties prior to the main course. The picturesque 15-storied rooftop of the Sky Pool restaurant, offers international buffet with a live kabab station; salad bar; continental items such as lasagna, spicy prawn, fish fillet, shwarma; and many more. Sky Pool Iftar and dinner buffet will be available for Tk 1899 net.
The 13–storied Bunka restaurant’s highlight is the oriental dinner buffet options, which includes sushi, teppanyaki, dumplings, fish in hot chili oil, chicken dumplings, special fried rice, beef bulgogi and many more. All of these are priced at Tk 3399 net per person. That’s not all; exclusive ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offer is also available for various bank cardholders and Grameenphone Star subscribers. Whether you choose to dine oriental or international, you will be able to finish off with a delicious mouth-watering selection of Arab, Bangladeshi and Continental desserts. This year, the distinguished hotel will be serving an international Sehri every night at the Sky Pool restaurant for Tk 1399 net. Uniquely delicious Iftar, dinner and Sehri, will be available at Six Seasons Hotel for 30 days during Ramadan. The top quality chefs will certainly entice your taste buds with their wide assortment of iftar delights. For further information please contact: 01987009810
Top fashion icons awarded at Sunsilk Fashion Fiesta The gala event of Sunsilk Fashion Fiesta was held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital this month. One of Bangladesh’s most reputed brands and market leader in hair care, Sunsilk
gained recognition as a quality product distributor from Unilever Bangladesh. Besides being an integral part of hair care regimens, Sunsilk regularly communicates with its customers through various events and has a continuous impact on the lives of young women across the country. Highlights of the event were the top 30 fashion icons from the regional rounds conducted in Mymensingh, Dhaka and Chittagong. The judges of this year’s Sunsilk Fiesta were famous models Nobel, Azra Mahmud and Bangladesh’s renowned hair expert Abida Sultana. After the end of the final round, the judges chose three fashion icons, one from each region. Sunsilk has always supported projects that create positive impact on the lives of young women. The event ended on a hopeful note that in the near future, young women from every corner of the country will hopefully be able to write their own story.
Manyavar launched an outlet in Tokyo Square Manyavar opened its 5th showroom in Tokyo Square Shopping Mall. The event was inaugurated by social worker and Director of Japan Garden City, Md Asaduzzaman Jamil alongside Chairman, Sazzadur Rahman Mridha and other partners of the company. Manyavar is popularly known for its quality and fashionable ethnic wear for men such as sherwani, pagri, stole, brooch, suits and other accessories. It currently has 380 exclusive brand outlets, 100 shops and 500 multi-brand outlets in India, Middle East, UK, USA, Nepal and Bangladesh. Manyavar started operating in Bangladesh in 2011 with its Banani showroom (House -55, Road-13/E), after which it opened more showrooms in Dhanmondi (House-8/1, Road-4), Gulshan (Hamid
Tower 2nd Floor, House-24, Gulshan-2) and Bashundhara City (Level-2, Block B). Manyavar will soon be arriving in Jamuna Future Park and Police Plaza Concord.
Samsung’s Smart Convertible Refrigerator Samsung Electronics, the global leader in consumer electronics, has launched a new Smart Convertible Refrigerator in Bangladesh, designed with twin cooling plus technology. It will provide overwhelming freshness while the smart conversion will work as the differentiating factor with flexible space and energy saving. Its twin cooling plus technology will keep the vegetables fresh for a longer period and ensure complete freshness by keeping optimal humidity up to 70% throughout the refrigerator. In single evaporator systems, odours from the freezer can be permeated to vegetables and cooked items in the
refrigerator since the two compartments are interconnected. In comparison, twin cooling system prevents air transition between the two compartments for it has two separate evaporators, which makes sure that the refrigerated items retain their original flavour. This refrigerator will introduce a new technology of 5-in-1 Smart Conversion. It has five different modes for fridge and freezer. Samsung Twin Cooling System refrigerators have two powerful evaporators and fans, operating independently for the refrigerator and the freezer. Samsung’s new refrigerator is now available from Tk 70,900 to Tk 94,900. Customers can enjoy 10-year warranty for the compressor from all Samsung authorised showrooms located nationwide.
Study Abroad with N&N Education
N&N International Education Consultancy is a firm which specialises in counselling, career ideas, efficiency identification and enrolment of students who wish to apply to reputed universities in Australia, UK, Canada, USA, Malaysia, Netherlands, South Korea. They provide unique counselling services conducted by founders and counsellors who have graduated from top ranked universities.
N&N aims to look into the students’ need from their point of view and try to help them as much as possible with an utmost effort to attain the highest level of satisfaction. Their International University Open Day was held on May 2, 2016 where they, with the help of their foreign delegates made spot assessment, scholarship declaration (individually), visa guidelines discussions, IELTS requirements.
Apex opens its flagship outlet in Dhanmondi In pursuit of providing high quality footwear to its valued customers, Apex has opened its new flagship store in Dhanmondi 27 (old), Dhaka. The outlet has been designed to enhance the customer experience in order to assure a memorable shopping experience. The store has a diverse collection of all the shoes, sandals and accessories from all of Apex’s brands. Through its nine in-house
and one international brand, the company provides footwear solutions in various categories to its consumers ensuring that the store provides items that cater to each individual’s need. The store has the widest collection of designs from each of Apex’s brands, namely, Venturini, Apex, Sprint, Maverick, Moochie, Nino Rossi, Sandra Rosa, Twinkler, SchoolSmart and Dr Mauch.
Bangla Perfumes brings L’oreal Luxe Fragrances Bangla Perfumes Distributors Ltd, country’s leading brand fragrance distributor, has launched the world’s most celebrated fragrance brand, L’Oreal Luxe, which includes Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Polo Ralph Lauren and Diesel, for the first time ever in Bangladesh through a joyful event and press conference. The program commenced from 5:30pm at Utshab Banquet Hall, the Radisson Blu Water
Garden Hotel in Dhaka on April 30. Sandeep Kirpalani, Director of Luxe & Active Cosmetics Division, L’Oreal India; Durgesh Sthalekar, General Manager of Designer Brands, L’Oreal Luxe, L’Oreal India Pvt Ltd; and Rajesh Nair, Marketing Manager of Designer Brands, L’Oreal Luxe, India were all cordially present on the occasion. Celebrity host, Rumana Mallik Moonmon hosted the event.
Original Glazed doughnut was available for purchase at their store in Banani 11, starting 10:00am from May 7. The North Carolina based mother company signed a franchisee agreement with local conglomerate Orion Group with the aim of opening 20 stores across the country in the next five years. “We expect Krispy Kreme to become an integral part of Bangladesh’s culture and we look forward to sharing the joy that is Krispy Kreme with both new and old customers in Bangladesh,” said Dan Beem, Krispy Kreme’s International President. Orion Group’s unparalleled business aptitude along with brand and consumer understanding of Bangladesh’s market has led to this exciting franchisee agreement. “We are privileged and ecstatic to be joining hands with such an internationally renowned iconic brand,” Salman Obaidul After launching in 26 different countries around the world, Karim, Managing Director of Orion Group expressed with Krispy Kreme has finally arrived in Dhaka. Krispy Kreme hot excitement.
Krispy Kreme Launched in Bangladesh