Sania Aiman

In our always-in-a-rush lives, truly just running from place to place, and errand to errand, barely taking a breather every weekend, ‘We have no time to stand and stare.’

Modern narratives are wretchedly bare of the stories of powerful Muslim women, and their achievements are rarely emphasised.

I am sure you have heard it, being hurled at someone, by someone who claims to love their mother tongue, so much that they cannot stand any other in their home turf.

I am one of those people who grew up under the proverbial rock, so the first time I witnessed Ralph's wrecking prowess was last week.

One of the first set of story books I received, read, and till date cherish, are about the Sirah — the life of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (S).

Winter leaves us too early every year, and is already bidding adieu this time too, but if you want to catch a touch of it still, head to the hills and valleys in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Legends speak of holy men travelling places carried by large fish, turtles, birds, carpets, animals, jinns, and such, but I am yet to hear of anyone travelling on the back of an Ilish.

If the wedding hullabaloo and the repetitive rich food, however delicious, gets to be too much, or if you happen to be among the lucky couples who got hitched this

Weddings anywhere are occasions to rejoice new beginnings, be those seeped in simplicity or wild extravagant fanfare. But apart from the elements of gaiety and the obvious joy and lifestyle change for the couple and their families, there are also legal aspects pertaining to the official side of the union of two people.

In this melee of the colours that weddings are, perhaps the best bet to truly stand out, especially as the guest or the best mate of the bride or groom, is by opting for the regal and classic white.

With the azure sky kissing the horizon and warm sea breeze flowing through our hair, one could not help but ignore their calming effects on the senses and come to the only natural conclusion

On a more practical note, the road to Munlai is through Chittagong, either a drive or flight, and the rest can be on a chartered jeep. Regardless of the mode, the winding ride through the lush green hills brings joy to the city-weary senses even before you reach the destination—a homestay specialty resort with a community tourism programme involving the Bawm.

The mystique of towering mountains, some snow-capped, some verdant, interspersed with lush valleys, singing brooks, and rivers rushing between mountains, is what Nepal is to me.

The need to hold on to memories of loved ones that have left us is primal, and universal, as is grief and its expression. Yet, the expressions of grief vary widely, reflecting individual cultures, influences and sometimes even just personal tastes.

The first thing to keep in mind is the welfare of the animal prior to slaughter, as well as your connection to it.

Pearls are a true labour of love, although not human, as it is the oysters that nourish the infiltrating granules until the irritants become a real piece of beauty.

Our collective fascination for the oyster-borne jewel of the sea continues, transcending time, and borders, for their rarity, iridescence and sublime beauty. Jewellers and painters have long exploited their symbolic associations, from luxury, seductiveness, purity and charms of good luck. So it is now time for us to delve a little bit into our own exploitation of this thing of beauty, to make ourselves prettier, perhaps. No matter what kind of social interaction you are getting ready for, pearls can help amp up the ensemble.

“The name Chantilly immediately creates a certain image in the audience's mind, associated with delicate French lace and aesthetics, which is resonant of my ideal clientele,” Selina says of her inspiration. Nusrat is not a newbie to designing, having successfully participated in the Dhaka Fashion Week in 2010, under her own brand “MATIr”, which she discontinued later to tend to family responsibilities, mainly raising her son.

To be considered truly unique and stand out is ironically the most common desire that has taken hold of the fancies of people over the ages. That is no less true today, even though our expressions and attitudes have changed. Amishe-a play on words for I am she – is a tradition inspired and opulent take on the modern woman's desire for something truly unique.

A gentle flurry of fabric, a graceful sway of soft material in bright jewel toned luxury– ah, for all that is silk!