Be a Wanderlust this Winter

Farhat Chowdhury (Zishan)

Winter is considered to be the best season to travel. The weather is wonderful; the lands are dry and there’s no awkward sweatiness. Plus, if you are a student, you can travel with a stress-free mind since you are already done with your exams. There are many famous tourist destinations scattered all across Bangladesh that are guaranteed to offer you a wonderful time. But some of them unveil their true beauties during this season. So, check them out:

Sylhet – Sylhet has a lot to offer during winter. Although it is freezing-cold out there then, if you are hell-bent on seeing a beautiful place, The Land of Mystiques should be on top of your bucket list.

The City itself offers you certain historical landmarks to visit. Located in the heart of the city is the Museum of Dewan Hasan Raja, the great Mystic poet whose songs are still sung by people all across Sylhet. And apart from that, do not miss the chance of visiting the shrines of Hajrat Shah Jalal and Hajrat Shah Paran, the two renowned Sufis of Sylhet. Get enchanted by the giant congregation of their followers and their devotion towards the pious saints. 

The real beauty of Sylhet awaits outside the city. A 60-km journey from the city will lead you to Jaflong – where you can see the distant Indian mountains. A very popular spot there is the Bangladesh- India border. You can even see the Meghalayan state from Jaflong – their traditional houses, cars travelling down the narrow mountain roads and so on. On your way back to the city, make sure you take a look at the Khashia King’s palace. On the note of tribal cultures, a mere 5 kilometers away from Jaflong is Jaintapur itself. This was the capital of the Jainta kingdom during the 18^th century and right across the local market is the remains of some archaeological sites.

This place is renowned for tea and you absolutely wouldn’t want to miss the chance of having a steaming cup in the morning. To make things much more interesting, Sri Mongol offers you seven layers of tea in one single cup. Spell-bounding, isn’t it?

 This is just the prologue. Starting from Ratargul swamp forest to LalaKhaal, Sylhet has numerous places to make your vacation memorable.

Cox’s Bazar –The weather in the world’s longest sea beach is moderately cold in winter; perfect for you to stroll on the seashore or lie all day for a sunbath. The sun shines in all its glory during midday but the most pleasant time would be during the evening. 
Explore the Burmese shops, have hot freshly fried fish on a soothingly cold winter night. There are even open-air restaurants right beside the seashore, so you can listen to the wonderful sound of waves crashing while having fresh lobsters, crabs and countless other sea-fishes under the moonlight. Plus, if you’re planning to visit during the last week of December, do not forget to attend the big concerts taking place at the beach. Groove the night away with the biggest rock bands and singers on stage as they celebrate the New Year at this magnificent sea beach.

The Sundarbans–Do not miss the chance to visit the world’s largest mangrove forest this winter. Officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sundarbans is a few hours ship-ride from the city of Khulna. Your journey in the Sundarbans will start at Hiron Point, from where you can spot deer, crocodiles and even Royal Bengal tigers if you’re lucky enough. 

The entire mangrove forest has several distinct locations; Kaikhali, Buridabri watch tower is a place from where you can view the animals, hear the birds’ chirping and witness the true beauty of it all. There are several deals available for tourists which will make this a fantastic experience.

Rangamati – This wonderful little town has some great destinations for you to explore during your holiday. Hire an auto-rickshaw from Rangamati to go and visit Kaptai Lake. This man-made lake will also lead you to the iconic 335 feet long Hanging Bridge.

This magical green land has many other places to offer. Starting from the Kaptai National Park to Shuvolong falls, Rangamati can be your go-to destination this winter.

If you are looking for something much more adventurous, you can definitely visit the 1800 ft. high Sajek and Marissa valley. Get enthralled by natural beauty and ethnic culture.

Lastly, while it is a great idea to embark upon the journey to all these wonderful places, it is important to make sure you take warm clothes along with you and also avoid foggy nights for bus journeys. Advisably, pre-book your hotel rooms or at least contact some locals there for all sorts of assistance. Hurry up, in this season awaits adventure!

Puja in Bangladesh: A Celebration of Arts and Culture

Fatema Nashrah

What makes Bangladesh beautiful? What binds its people together? What makes them part of a larger community which divided by differences? Perhaps the answer lies in a Bangladeshi’s inherent love for festivities and celebrations. Every year is marked with numerous festivals, each of which is celebrated with grandeur and merriment. The religious harmony of the nation is reflected in such festivals as people of all religions take delight in them. A particularly glaring example is the Puja celebrations of the Hindus.

Durga Puja is one such momentous occasion of the Hindu community that has transcended to socio-cultural significance for the larger Bengali community. Celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over a demon Mahisasur, it epitomizes the power of good over evil. Shiva, Lakhsmi, Saraswati and Ganesha are some of the other deities worshipped during the puja.  It is a popular belief that the transportation of arrival and departure of the Goddess Durga determines the fate of the people for the upcoming year. The ritual consists of ten days of fast, feast and worship. However, the last five days as named Shashthi, Shaptami, Ashtami, Navami, Bijoya and Dashami are celebrated with the most anticipation. The long procession ends finally with the immersion of the sculpture of the deity in the water.

Over the ages, how the occasion is commemorated has evolved. However, the festival was not truly integrated into the Hindu culture till the 16th century. Until then, Durga Puja was observed in the quiet confinement of personal residences. Gradually, it began to gain prominence among the aristocrats of Bengal. Lavish feasts, month-long exultation and the elaborate rituals included the commoners too and the festival rose to become Sharbojanin (all-inclusive). People from all spheres of life were united in their celebrations and economic divides were disregarded in worship and community.

Pujas in our subcontinent have always been celebrated grandly. The art, music, food and the pandals add to the inescapable ambience of the auspicious festival. The pandals are, of course, the primary attraction of the festivities in all their glory. Local artisans spend long hours toiling over the regal idols, perfecting the sacred images. The process of creating these sculptures are themselves steeped in rites and rituals, from collecting holy clay to fasting before painting on the eyes. Amidst ornate edifices is a stage upon which the idol of Durga stands, mounted on a lion, wielding ten weapons in all ten of her hands- a stately vision. The masses gather around it to offer pushpanjali (flower worship) on mornings.

Puja celebrations in Bangladesh are celebrated with growing enthusiasm and gusto every year. Organizing requires months of prior planning. From open fields to narrow alleyways, thousands of pandals are erected, transforming the landscape into a religious centre. For the more popular pandals, preparation begins immediately after the previous puja celebrations with sky high budgets. Corporate sponsorship has been spurring on the festivities to reach greater heights of extravagancy and innovation. Theme based pandals are now part of the tradition of Durga puja, drawing in throngs of visitors. Past years have seen Harry Potter, ancient Greek mythology, Mayan and Egyptian civilization themed pandals. An underwater themed pandal in Chittagong with Durga perched on a stage resembling a coral reef garnered much attention and praise from visitors. Besides, pandals in Dhakeshwari National Temple, Shankhari Bazaar, Ramkrishna Mission, Jagannath Hall, Gulshan Banani Sharbojanin Puja Porishad in Dhaka are some of the most visually striking ones.

Durga Puja in Bangladesh celebrates art, artistry and our rich culture. The beat of the dhak, smell of burning incense, ritualistic dance worship or the aarati and the delicious bhog are embedded in our country’s heritage. People from all backgrounds, along with Hindus, revel in the spiritual and visual experience the festival proves to be. Buzzing energy and colorful vibes take over the streets in the duration. Every year, the celebrations are getting grander. At the end of the festivities, the statues of Durga are submerged in the rivers, a symbolic gesture of her farewell to unite with her husband in the Himalayas. Her departure is accompanied with loud chants of Ashche Bochhor Abar Hobe (It will happen again next year).

China President Xi Jinping given statement about Bangladesh

“China-Bangladesh Cooperation Will Bear Golden Fruits”

PRESIDENT Xi JINPING’S SPECIAL ARTICLE GIVEN TO THE DAILY STAR

 Date: 14.10.2016

        H.E. XI JINPING  

Presidentof the People's Republic of China

“At the kind invitation of President Abdul Hamid,       I will pay a state visit to the beautiful country of Bangladesh in this golden harvest season of autumn…

Bangladesh is a fascinating and promising land. It is where the Padma, Jamuna and Meghna rivers flow into the sea. It’s vast expanse of fertile fields which normally have the color of emerald green become a sea of golden yellow at the time of harvest. Endowed with rich natural resources, this land is home to a hard-working and talented nation and a time-honored and splendid culture. In fact, famous poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote many of his most notable works in Bengali.

Bangladesh is a land filled with hope. Since its independence, Bangladesh has come a long way. With strenuous efforts, it has started from scratch and successfully met the livelihood needs of its 160 million population, contributing significantly to global poverty reduction. In recent years, by seizing the opportunities of economic globalization and focusing on reform and development, Bangladesh has kept its economy growing at above 6% and made steady progress in industrialization and urbanization. Bangladesh is well on track to achieve Vision 2021 and become a middle-income country.

The people of China and Bangladesh have been good neighbors and friends since ancient times. Stories of our friendship and exchange witnessed by the Southern Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road throughout the millennia are still being told today. Eminent Chinese monks Faxian and Xuanzang travelled west for Buddhist scriptures. Atiśa Dipankara Shrijnana, a Bengali religious master, spread Buddhism in China. They were the pioneers of our cultural exchange.

 

Famous navigator Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty visited Bengal twice. According to his description, “This is a richly endowed and teeming land with lovely people and fertile fields.” Believed by the Chinese then to be a qilin (an auspicious mythical animal), the giraffe that the Bengali king gave to the Ming emperor brought much excitement to the court and general public in China.”

Shared from Dhaka Tribune.

Link: http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/china-bangladesh-cooperation-will-bear-golden-fruits-1298536

Travelling 101: The kind of travel partner you need

Nusrat Noshin

Your expectations = their Expectations If you want to take a trip, travel with someone who has similar interests and...

Your expectations = their Expectations

If you want to take a trip, travel with someone who has similar interests and mindset as you do, because you don’t want the trip to turn into a source of constant tension. Frankly, it’s no fun. A perfect vacation with a friend is very simple; you plan together, you party together. Most importantly, make sure you both have similar expectations and interests from the expedition. That way, you will have a companion in almost every part of the trip. If you want to gape at the Great Canyon and be awed by it, try finding someone who wishes the same.

The pro bono entertainer

I believe that people who can turn a frown upside down are hidden gems that everybody needs during a trip. Flight got delayed? Missed your cab? Poor weather hits during the tour? Yes, they all sound tragic, but it would be worse if you have a mate who incessantly complains about the downsides of your trip. At times like these a giggling feat is all you need to make the sun shines even in the dullest rainfall; a lip-curling fuss just will not do. Understanding the compromises and behaving accordingly while retaining a smile is one of the best traits a travel companion can have.

The partner who values money

Planning with your partner and deciding how much you both are willing to spend is a good idea, pre-vacation. In addition, both of you should have similar generosity when spending; it is a lot more fun when you do not have to count every dime to split the bill equally. However, it is also a bummer when your companion does not pay their share of expenses, or drags you into overpriced shopping. You may also feel awkward if he/she does not want to spend as much as you do. Talk it through and make sure you both are on the same page, so that you can enjoy the trip without any financial bumps.

The curious explorer

Traveling is all about making memories worth cherishing and experiencing new things. Hence, you will want someone who likes exploring, or has enthusiasm towards everything. Taking pleasure in every small moment is contagious and it helps you get some relief from your normal life.

When flexibility is key

Try finding a companion who is flexible and willing to change in order to gain the fullest experience out of the expedition. If you go with someone who sticks to his/her own ways, it will heavily influence the authenticity of the trip. Compromise is key, starting from palette, to attire, behavior and even habits.

To cling or not to cling, that is the question

You may want the perfect travel partner, but you really do not want someone who’ll be attached to you, hip-to-hip, throughout the entire trip. Vacations also involve finding a sanctuary. A clingy friend will not help you achieve. Hence you need a partner who understands the concept of “alone time”. Sometimes finding peace may simply mean to behold the beauty of a tourist site or to reflect on an eventful day right before going to bed at night. Whatever it is, a good companion will know when to be quiet and to give you space; knowing when to be silent makes everything better, period.

Motivator and memory maker

When on a trip, the best moments occur during the most spontaneous moments of the trip. To clarify my point, I am not leaning on any illegal or very dangerous activities! Vacations are all about saying “yes”. You make the best memories from the most impromptu plans; the ultimate fun happens when you do something that is unprecedented to you. It gives you something intriguing to talk about when you return home. Sometimes all you need is approval from just one person when you are in doubt and your companion should be there next to you, ready to give sanction. Moreover, he/she should also encourage you to do things that you normally would not do.

Life saving skills

It may sound like a buzz-kill, but accidents happen. Emergencies may arise and they are inevitable sometimes. An ideal friend could, if they had to, talk to the police, or know how to do a mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or even relay your medical history. Whatever it is, a sincere and useful partner like this is indispensable whether on vacation or in regular life.

Social butterfly

One of the main purpose of any trip is to meet new people, especially the locals. If your companion does not have the ability to blend in with newly met people, or shows any sort of repulsive behavior, chances are those people will be unwilling to interact with you too. It is compulsory for your comrade to uphold an affable attitude and an outgoing personality.

Cultural sensitivity

You will most likely come across some culture which will seem alien to you while travelling and in cases like these, it is extra important for you and your companion to be respectful to foreign traditions. A friend who ridicules or criticizes the hosting culture will probably not be well received. Travelling with someone who takes interest in the local custom has its own perks. You will not only have a good time, you will be also treated hospitably and you can even get the opportunity to learn a great deal about a foreign culture and/or language. For instance, if you meet an Indian host, greet them with the famous “Namaste”.

Being street smart

Do you want to wander helplessly on your first ever trip to, for instance, an exotic island? Surely, no one would like that. However, you may encounter this misfortune if neither you, nor your mate have a good sense of direction. A great navigator, with good map reading skills is a crucial trait for a smooth trip. When wandering the streets of an unfamiliar city, “street smart” is the way to go.

Shared from Dhaka Tribune.

Link: http://www.dhakatribune.com/magazine/weekend-tribune/2016/09/04/travelling-101-kind-travel-partner-need/