Lifestyle / Culture

What's in a name ?

What's in a name ?

  Imagine you have a friend named Sadia or Sadman Sakib, and you call them by their names in the crowded New Market Avenue. Just pause and think how many people will respond to these names! We are familiar with at least one Anika, Nusrat, Mehedi, Rafi, and Fatema Tuz Zohora as friends, relat


What's in Mannat, Shah Rukh Khan's luxurious abode?

What's in Mannat, Shah Rukh Khan's luxurious abode?

In the heart of Mumbai's upscale neighbourhood of Bandra stands a majestic mansion that has captured the imagination of millions around the world - Mannat.  This extravagant residence is the home of the Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan and his family.  Mannat is not merely a house; it is

5 most popular pet cat breeds around the world

5 most popular pet cat breeds around the world

Cats have been cherished companions for centuries, bringing joy, comfort, and laughter into our lives. With their diverse personalities and captivating charm, it's no wonder cats have become one of the most popular choices for pet ownership.  Cats can be cute, innocent, beautiful, and mischie

Istanbul and it's cats: The 'kitty capital' of the world

Istanbul and it's cats: The 'kitty capital' of the world

Istanbul, a city steeped in history and culture, is one of the largest cities in the world, both in terms of population and land area. The city, which contains about 19% of the people living in the entirety of Turkey, is as busy as a big metropolitan area can get.  However, there is somethi

Making your social communication 'up to date'

Making your social communication 'up to date'

The advent and proliferation of social media have made it easy to communicate with each other. Apart from some social media sites that have been present for quite some time now, there are numerous messaging apps nowadays. They have made communication easy for people and given rise to a culture of m

Evolution of Eid Salami: From Eid cards to digital apps 

Evolution of Eid Salami: From Eid cards to digital apps 

As an Eid Salami, Tunan Ahmed was given money by her elders through the apps. She was delighted. However, she did not always get Eid Salami in this manner. She affirms that while receiving it via a digital application makes her happy, the absolute delight comes from collecting new currency in hand,

How henna became a part of festivals

How henna became a part of festivals

Henna, also known as mehndi, is a plant-based dye used for centuries in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Henna is especially popular during Muslim festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Muslim weddings, and childbirth. Desert people who ha

Rain-calling rituals around the world

Rain-calling rituals around the world

Rain is a vital resource for life on Earth. Proper rainfall is ideal for the environment to flourish. However, rainfall is erratic and unpredictable in many parts of the world, leading to droughts and famine.  While excessive rain causes floods and other issues, droughts seem more devasting,

Rudaalis Rajasthan: The women who cry and mourn as a profession

Rudaalis Rajasthan: The women who cry and mourn as a profession

Whenever someone thinks of the Indian state of Rajasthan, they automatically think of vast deserts, vegetarian food, and Rajput warriors. However, Rajasthan is not unique only in these ways; another Rajasthani tradition is unique, the presence of Rudaalis: women who make a living out of professiona

Melting permafrost reveals insights from Mongol empires

Melting permafrost reveals insights from Mongol empires

Melting permafrost in the Khovsgol mountains, east of Eurasia, has revealed the remains of an aristocratic cemetery from the time of the Mongol Empire. The cemetery dates back to the 13th century, starting around the Mongol Empire's unification in 1206 CE under the infamous Genghis Khan.  The

Hanging Coffins of Sagada: A journey to honour the dead

Hanging Coffins of Sagada: A journey to honour the dead

In the mountainous region of Sagada in the Philippines, there is a unique burial tradition that the Igorot people have practised for over 2,000 years. This tradition involves hanging the coffins of their deceased loved ones on the cliffs, which has become a popular tourist attraction in recent year