Abida Rahman Chowdhury

Pursuing a sport in Dhaka can be a cumbersome task, given the lack of parks, pockets of green space or even a designated sidewalk for pedestrians. Picking up a sport can also be a tough decision, the amount of physical labour you are willing to put in, the proximity of the location where you can practise and your overall dedication to the game.

The sharp zing of onions as you slice them fine, the clang of pans and pots, the distinct aroma of Bengali spices as they hit the hot oil. These are flavours we grow up with.

Dhaka Weddings are a glorious affair, a celebration of two families coming together whilst the bride and groom take centre stage in the event.

Gold has been a part of our lives ever since its discovery by the Arabs around 6000 BC. With its Latin name Aurum meaning "shining dawn", it is of little surprise that this element has been used in artwork and jewellery, what with its physical properties donning malleability and durability, for as long as one can think back. Gold is in fact considered quite so valuable that it has long been used for the purpose of monetary exchanges.

About 500 km away from the bustle and busy hum-drum of Dhaka and 10km away from the mainland, across the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal lies the only coral island of Bangladesh -- Saint Martin's Island.

The language that we so proudly speak today is soaked in blood, bears the weight of a war, has a history of influence from Europeans, Mughals, Arabs, Persians, and East Asians thus adapting many words from their language.

Nothing beats the feeling you get from a fresh home-cooked meal after time away from your home. Large cuts of rui fish (grass carp) swimming in a broth of red chilli and chunks of cauliflower garnished with fresh coriander, each morsel bursting with flavours of the clean cuts of fish, leave me looking for more.

The Dhaka International Trade Affair is a symbolic feature of the Dhaka winters. Come January and DITF opens its doors to all the Dhakaiites to add just another dose of entertainment to the already party laden winters. This year, the usual serenade of the DITF started ten days late owing to the political turmoil that had tainted a better part of the last year.

An old folklore spins the story of three young ladies who were questioned by their beloved father to express how much they love him by use of particular objects of choice.

Did the night sky always charm you? Have you always dreamt of losing yourself in the world of Hercules and Scorpius?

What language unites us all? What has waged so many wars, inspired so many men to brave harsh seas and desolate deserts?

The clang of pans, smoke rising, smells emanating from the dark pot brewing a rich, dense stew, the sound of crisp vegetables being cut and stir fried these are the smells, sounds and sights that come from a kitchen that is in action. Being a Bangladeshi, it is no surprise that we are all food connoisseurs at heart-- going to the markets in the mornings, braving the water clogged streets and haggling our lungs sore, all for the sake of bagging the freshest and best ingredients to cook a perfect meal.

Julia Child, a prominent 1920's chef once said “The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.

Many a youth has toiled away hours learning to play the guitar, mastering the drums, making notes flow from the flute or even go as far as taking up an eclectic mix of household objects in pursuit of playing percussion. Music for many people is a means of life -- a canvas for expressing their aspirations.

Gone are the days when extended families were the default arrangement. As the city expands, grows and vibrates with activity we see a rise in the number of people moving out of their parents' home into single units.