The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu observed Shaheed Dibash and International Mother Language Day on February 21 with solemnity and pageantry. A day-long programme to commemorate the day began with the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast at the Chancery by the Ambassador in the morning, says a press release.

Pop sensation Lady Gaga's white gown at The Oscars took 1600 hours to make. The Applause hitmaker stood out on the red carpet at The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles in her white crystal-embellished gown, which she'd accessorised with red gloves. Lady Gaga took to her Instagram account on Sunday evening to share with her fans how long the stunning dress took to make.

Alejandro González Iñárritu's dark comedy “Birdman” flew high at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles yesterday at the 87th Academy Awards, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography.

The premiere of “Bish-kata”, a documentary by Farzana Boby, was held at Chhayanaut auditorium in the capital on February 22. The documentary sheds lights on the bestial tortures that scores of women of our country went through during the Liberation War.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair bustled with an extra bit of buzz on Ekushey (21st) February, as people of all walks of life thronged the fair. Not all of them were there to buy books, though. Be it shopping for jewelry and toys, posing for portrait sketches or kids enjoying carnival rides, the festivities took a bigger dimension.

Marking February 21, International Mother Language Day, Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala (art gallery) organised a 'Best Handwriting Competition' for children at its premises on Friday.

A classical dance fiesta marking fifth anniversary celebration of regular monthly event “Nupur Bejey Jaye” was held at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut, Dhanmondi in Dhaka on February 19.

Sometime around the '60s, then president of Pakistan, Ayub Khan, was to visit the Dhaka radio station at Shahbagh. Massive preparations were underway to put up an impressive show. As the youngest group at the station, we were preparing for a live performance and were training under eminent composers Abdul Ahad, Samar Das and Abdul Latif.

To honour those working tirelessly for the preservation, awareness and development of our rich culture and heritage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) began honouring artistes and activists who have made significant contribution to the various fields of arts in the country in 2013.

The ongoing Amar Ekushey Boi Mela is stepping into its third week. Every day, aside from the publishers and readers, writers are seen strolling through the fair grounds. On Wednesday evening, Professor Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was busy giving autographs to his readers and interacting with them. The Daily Star caught up with the writer for an interview while he was with his fans.

Anisul Hoque is a noted litterateur, journalist and playwright. His books have earned him major awards, including the Bangla Academy Award. Some of his books have been published at this year's Ekushey Book Fair. The Daily Star recently interviewed the wordsmith.

Somoy is one of the prominent publication houses in the country. Former Executive Director of Bangladesh Gyan and Srijonshil Prokashak Samiti (an organisation of publishers), Farid Ahmed is the proprietor of the publication house. He earned immense fame as a publisher of creative books. Farid recently spoke to The Daily Star about Ekushey Boi Mela.

The 25th death anniversary of Nurul Momen, known as 'Natyaguru' for his pioneering roles in modernising theatre in Bangladesh, was observed on February 16. This month also marks the 70th anniversary of modern world-class drama in the country.

The second book on theatre by noted elocutionist Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay was recently launched at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2015. The book, “Obhiggyan Natyokotha” contains 18 articles on theatrical art, which the author thinks will equally help theatre enthusiasts and professionals. The book, which discusses different forms of theatre and pioneering playwrights of world theatre, is available at the stall of Sahitya Prakash.

Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) organised a musical evening by Mehreen at its GUlshan premises on February 14 evening. Mehreen performed her popular tracks at the event, entertaining the audience.

Through a musical soiree and dance sequences, artistes of Mymensingh Shilpakala Academy welcomed Spring at a programme at its auditorium Saturday evening.

The film “Taxi” by a dissident Iranian director has won the top prize at the 65th Berlin Film Festival.

Lady Gaga is to make her Oscars debut with a “special tribute performance” at this year's ceremony.

Winter is the time of hibernation; a long, deep sleep for many animals through the harsh weather. The end of winter, therefore, marks the awakening of nature; new leaves bloom out on trees, flowers blossom and bees hover around in search of nectar, as new life is injected in the air, and all the gloom and mist of winter is left behind.

The arrival of Pahela Falgun, the king of all seasons, is always greeted with a profusion of flowers, poetry, songs and dances.