What first rings your mind and tickles your nose when you think about winter in Bengal? For us, it’s a plethora of feelings, which start as the annual Kalipujo time tiptoes in. The air gets heavily laden with the smell of the Chhatim or Saptaparni flowers. And, of course, there’s a nip in the air, so the cotton head scarves come out as a protectional … Continue reading Harbingers of Winter for the Bengalis (Winter in Bengal)
Many of us might recall from our childhood how our mothers, aunts and grandmothers would read aloud the Itu Pujo broto katha (mythological stories in Bengali on different rituals) of the two sisters Umno and Jhumno. And their ordeal after they were sent to a jungle by their angry father because they ate his share of Pitheys (rice cakes). To get back home, the two … Continue reading Itu Pujo, Nabanna and worshipping Sun – the goddess of fertility
Though the ‘Make in India’ campaign happened to be initiated around eight years ago, its roots dig deep into the pre-independence era when a fire of passion for Swadeshi companies swept past entire India. Making and using Swadeshi products was thought to be the fitting reply to the British dominance where the Sun had never set. There can be long-drawn arguments on the exact impact … Continue reading Pre-independence Bengali Swadeshi Companies, still in business
We live in different countries, celebrate various festivals with other names, but a thin thread attaches all these festivals. Halloween & Bhoot Chaturdashi is one of these festivals, celebrated so differently yet so similar to each other. Let’s see how…. Most of the Western world countries are marked by the arrival of Halloween. And its relationship with the world of the dead at the end … Continue reading HALLOWEEN AND BHOOT CHATURDASHI: CELEBRATION OF THE TWO MYSTIFYING EVENT
Diptanu Chakraborty India is celebrating 75th Independence Day this year. We, the KolkataFusion team are honoured to present to you a poem by our Guest blogger, Diptanu Chakraborty. The kid has not only understood the meaning of freedom but has beautifully put it in words. COVID-19 has put shackles on our freedom and we are dying to go out. How the country must have felt … Continue reading My Freedom
That’s one of the things I love about makeup. You can change your whole attitude by just doing your eyeliner or lipstick differently. – Beyonce During this pandemic time, a bit of makeup might lift up your mood and give you that right attitude to face the daily hurdles. Our guest blogger, Madhuparna Kar has shared some simple and useful makeup tips, and her journey … Continue reading Making Yourself Up With Some Useful Makeup Tips
Just a year after the super cyclone Amphan, we are again getting news of another cyclone – Yaas. Though its intensity is forecasted to be lesser, we don’t want to take risks. We have started taking precautionary measures like securing the trees and getting the plants inside our house. Click to get Cyclone Yaas Live Updates. KolkataFusion contributors recapitulate their experiences of living through the … Continue reading Super Cyclone Amphan and Us
Saraswati Puja is an important yet not so a grave affair in the Bengalis’ lives. Students worship the Goddess of Knowledge with all the devotion in the morning. And, as the day progresses, the traditional event eventually gets a contemporary touch. P.C.: Souptima Basu Adorned in bright yellow sarees or kurtas, the adolescents go out meeting friends. Saraswati Puja in Kolkata and other parts of … Continue reading Memories of Saraswati Puja in Bengali households
According to a recent Hindu article, Kolkata Book fair 2021 may be held in June, once the situation stabilizes. But this isn’t the first time that the event is canceled! In the meanwhile, the districts are organizing mini book fairs for avid readers. But, how fulfilling are they? A Bengali proverb goes like this – “Bangalir Baro Maashey Tero Parbon” which means the Bengalis celebrate … Continue reading The 14th Parbon of the Bengalis – The Kolkata Book Fair
Featured Image: Souptima Basu – A pedestal of cultural heritage of Kolkata When one takes a flight of stairs upward beside Sarada Book Stall, he or she will catch a myriad of sounds and sights all coming from the Coffee House. With the smooth rattling of cups and saucers, there would be people talking, singing, discussing and debating. The staff here still wears the livery … Continue reading The Coffee House at College Street
