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Eid Special | June 2016

LET’S MAKE

EID 2016AN UNFORGETTABLEEXPERIENCE

LET’S MAKE

EID 2016AN UNFORGETTABLEEXPERIENCE

Model:Shrobosti

Wardrobe:Sarah Karim

Make-up:Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd

Photography:Zia Uddin

EditorZafar Sobhan

Magazine EditorSabrina Fatma Ahmad

Assistant Magazine EditorFarina Noireet

Style EditorMahmood Hossain

Eid Special teamN Anita Amreen

Baizid Haque JoarderRad Sharar Bin KamalSabiha Akond Rupa

Moumita Ahmed

ContributorsNoor-E-ShahrinNadia Lakhani

Farzana RomineNashshaba NawazAchol Chowdhury

Fariha AfrozJawad Mahruj Khan

Sadia Islam

GraphicsMd Mahbub AlamAlamgir Hossain

Tahsin Momin

PhotographerZia Uddin

Colour SpecialistShekhar Mondal

Manager, Business DevelopmentShahin Ahsan

Manager, SalesMoshiour Rahman

Manager, CirculationMasud Kabir Pavel

Manager, ProductionMasum Billah

Advertising CoordinatorsMamitur Rahman

Published byKazi Anis Ahmed

Contact us:FR Tower, 8/C, Panthapath

Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207Phone: +88 02 9132093-94

www.dhakatribune.com

Eid Special | June 2016

Editor's noteCome one, come allAsk someone what their favourite memory of Eid is, and more often than not, you’re bound to hear a story involving a massive get-together with family. Ask a younger person, and it’s still a massive get-together, but with friends.

The release after a month of austerity and privations, to be met with clear roads and the most amazing aromas wafting from the kitchen, the sheer excitement of putting on a fresh new set of clothes, together makes Eid ul Fitr such a special landmark in every Muslim year. And to get to celebrate it with loved ones is the icing on the cake.

That’s why this year, our special magazine is geared around the concept of the dawat. From what to wear on Eid, to recipes to cook up for your guests, to a guide to throwing the best bash, we have organised the entire spread around the perfect get-together.

For those who prefer to get away instead of get-together, though, don’t worry. We have something for you too, in the form of amazing vacation packages.

So come, celebrate togetherness with the Dhaka Tribune Eid Special. We wish you and yours a hearty Eid Mubarak.

Eid Mubarak,Sabrina Fatma AhmadFeatures Editor,Dhaka Tribune

2016

Wardrobe10 Pride11 Arannya 14 Andeem16 Mumu Maria18 Joconde20 Sarah Karim26 Mumu Maria27 Sarah Karim28 Wood & Pecker33 Noir35 Menka36 Mayasir28 Wood & Pecker38 Anokhi by Humaira Khan41 Benarasi Big Bazar43 Sahar Rahman46 Aarong48 Anjan’s53 Viola54 Gentle Park43 Sahar Rahman

Tantalise66 Nargisi kofta curry68 Meat durbari70 Murg Noorjehani73 Mango Kulfi74 Family feast favourites80 Fasting and Feasting

Tempt82 Accessories to match

Tempt82 Accessories to match

Trial Room84 A royal affair100 Evolution of Humaira Khan

Tucked in 86 Inside interiorsr

Eid reads90 The struggle is real: The Tailor Edition

92 Our third responsibility98 Six types of cousins on Eid103 The art of extracting Eid104 Semi-autonomous The new E-Class

Feature97 Host the Perfect Eid Party119 A letter I never sent120 Salaami hype

Travel106 Travel to Bangkok this Eid110 Eid escapade to Vietnam114 Escape into Paradise116 Historical places of Bangladesh

Index118

CONTENTS

Tempt

Tantalise

travel

Eid Reads

Let’s not kid ourselves. Eid is around the corner, and everyone wants to look their best. With so much on offer, what do we go for? We’re bringing you our top picks for your festival wardrobe. Because you deserve the best.

(Special thanks to Aarong for support with props)

Fashion might be your biggest concern before Eid, but come festival time, food is the main event. Read on for our mouthwatering recipes to help you be the “Host with the Most”. Ah-mayzing spread, that is.

Wanderlust got you this holiday season? Say no more. We have your next perfect Eid vacation all planned out for you. You’re welcome!

It takes an army to pull off a truly fabulous Eid dawat. From your wardrobe, to the food on your table, to the look and feel of your home, there is a lot to think about. Read on for special interviews, guides, tips and tricks to make it all easier to manage, and hopefully there’s something in there to make you smile as well.

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FASHIONLet’s not kid ourselves. Eid is around the corner, and everyone wants to look their

best. With so much on offer, what do we go for? We’re bringing you our top picks for

your festival wardrobe. Because you deserve the best.

(Special thanks to Aarong for support with props)

Shoots

DT

PrideHritika and Aman look picture perfect in ensembles by Pride. The subtle jacquard against the midnight blue on Aman’s panjabi adds a touch of suavity to his look, while the regal gold print against the black on Hritika’s kurti and palazzo combo is an outfit she can take from a casual date to a fancy dawat with a simple switch of accessories

Jewelry: Sparkling EmotionsMake-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

DT PorTfoLio

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DT PorTfoLio

Arannya Now there’s a pair worth reading about. Tarin and Aman are dawat ready in their matching brick red

vegetable dye outfits

Jewelry: Sparkling EmotionsMake-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd

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DT PorTfoLio

PrideThe bright colours on these outfits would need a fan to cool off! The warm colours on Naureen’s printed cotton sari is set off perfectly by the cool boatnecked blouse. Aman’s subtly patterned monochrome panjabi makes for the ideal complement


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DT PorTfoLio

Arannya These earthy vegetable dyed

numbers are pretty darn delicious. Jhumur pairs her moss green jacquard printed sari with

a modest military blue blouse, colours that are reflected in

Aman’s panjabi


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DT PorTfoLio

AndeemNaureen looks ready for the evening in another Andeem number. This one features another high-low jacket that’s embroidered bolero in the front, and sheer, gauzy black long coat at the back, giving way to an apricot skirt


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DT PorTfoLio

AndeemHritika is all kinds of pretty in this

beautifully complex number by Andeem. The high-low cut of the

embroidered taupe kurti allows for the layered tomato skirt to

amp up the temperature of this gorgeous outfit


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DT PorTfoLio

Mumu MariaMumu Maria is playing clever games with trending silhouettes this season. Naureen’s slip is short-kameez length, while a sheer long jacket falls to the “long kameez” length at the back. A perfectly tailored pair of shalwars in a soft pink one shade cooler than the warm peachy blush of the rest of the garment, completes the outfit


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DT PorTfoLio

JocondeHeavy gold embroidery

on the shoulder and peplum on this stunning

black gown will have Tarin turning heads wherever she goes

Make-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

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DT PorTfoLio

JocondeClever cutouts, minimal embroidery and the unbeatably classic combo of black and white makes this Joconde number the last word in elegance. Jhumur keeps it simple with a pair of danglers and a retro bangs

Model: Jhumur Make-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

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DT PorTfoLio

Sarah KarimJhumur is ready to steal the show in this high-wattage Sarah Karim number. Sequins, embroidery and tassles tussle with ivory lace to create a lahenga that’s as much at home at a fancy dawat as it is a wedding party


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DT PorTfoLio

Mumu MariaHritika is Cinderella come alive in this sheer Mumu Maria long kameez. The high collar and wide legged pants give it just the right touch of deshi charm


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DT PorTfoLio

Sarah KarimTarin is electric in this copper-embroidered

anarkali by Sarah Karim. With dark chocolate

sleeves and a butterscotch skirt, this outfit is one

tasty confection

Jewelry: Sparkling Emotions

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DT PorTfoLio

Sarah KarimHritika channels bullfighter chic in this Sarah Kareem outfit which teams an embroidered bolero with a dull gold skirt that cuts away at the front for a perfect pair of cropped pants


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DT PorTfoLio

Wood & PeckerRaaz is breezy and cool in this subtly printed, impeccably tailored panjabi-pyjama outfit by Wood & Pecker. The summer-friendly colours are perfect for a tropical Eid


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DT PorTfoLio

Wood & PeckerTanzim has plenty of reason to smile. The tiny prints pop against the mulberry on his panjabi; a perfect summer treat


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DT PorTfoLio

NoirOnee and Raaz will have

plenty to talk about in their Noir outfits. He’s soothing in a smooth

pistachio panjabi, offset by fringed loafers, while she rocks floral on floral

with a flowery kurti and a shiny box clutch


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DT PorTfoLio

NoirSalwa and Tanzim are the talk of any party. Tanzim offsets the simplicity of his polka-printed panjabi with a regal player of loafers, while Salwa plays off the floral panels on her kurti with a vintage-printed clutch


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DT PorTfoLio

MenkaFind Menka at

www.facebook.com/Menka.Rupsmania

DT PorTfoLioMayasirEmma and Raaz are a study in playful contrasts. Emma’s bright fuschia kameez complements an equally bright tangerine shalwar, while Raaz’s bold brown panjabi is lent some colour with red thread


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DT PorTfoLio

MayasirOnee and Tanzim are classic cool in their ensembles. Tanzim’s pewter-

coloured panjabi has the retro detailing

on the chest, while Onee pairs a dove

grey kurti with some trendy striped

pantaloons


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DT PorTfoLio

Anokhi by Humaira KhanAnokhi by Humaira Khan was clearly inspired by our local melas. Emma is wearing a top with a lovely embroidered vest front and long sheer panels at the back, teamed with a drapey pair of slate grey pants

Jewelry: MayasirMake-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

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DT PorTfoLio

Benarasi Big Bazar

Onee has quite the wow factor. Plum and ivory

bleed together over this sari, twinkling along

the heavily embellished borders

Jewelry: Sparkling Emotions


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Anokhi by Humaira KhanOnee and Salwa are all fun and games in their party gear. Bright colours, avian motifs in the style of rickshaw art, and festive tassels make these kurta-skirt numbers the perfect conversation pieces


DT PorTfoLio

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DT PorTfoLio

Sahar RahmanRemember Beyonce’s pearl-studded number at this year’s Met Gala? Sahar Rahman does one better. Shrabosti looks beyond elegant in this bone coloured, rose embroidered long kameez


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DT PorTfoLio

Benarasi Big BazarEmma makes a big statement in this Benarasi Big Bazar sari. Elegant gold paisleys against a field of matte gold, framed by sapphire blue make her a show-stopper

Jewelry: MayasirMake-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

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DT PorTfoLio

Sahar Rahman

Tanvina is graceful in this pearl coloured

embellished anarkali. The soft blush accents only

play up the femininity of the outfit


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DT PorTfoLio

AarongYou won’t be forgiven for not checking out these cool blue numbers. Tanvina wears her cutwork on a seafoam muslin sari, while Apurbo rocks his one in cobalt against a teal short panjabi

Jewelry: AarongMake-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

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DT PorTfoLio

AarongAarong’s Eid collection

is definitely worth rhapsodising about.

Apurbo pairs an olive brown fotua over a khaki

jodhpur-style shalwar, and completes the look

with a printed khadi koti. Pinky Peya sits graceful

in shades of charcoal, mustard and vermillion


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DT PorTfoLio

Anjan’sTanvina is all giggles in her tuquoise, gold, and fuschia kameez, while Apurbo has a reason to smile – the pale mint against that ivy green on his panjabi is a combo that flatters him well


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DT PorTfoLio

Anjan’sPinky Peya and Apurbo

complement one another in the subtlest ways. The

sapphire blue of his monochrome

panjabi is echoed in the

embroidery on her otherwise

very pink kameez

Make-up: Prive’ Salon

& Spa Ltd.

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DT PorTfoLio

MenkaStripes have a whole new dimension in this ethical cotton sari. The mixed metal tones on this matte finish create a stunning visual effect against Tanvina’s complexion

Jewellery: Kolors of KathmanduMake-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

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Gentle ParkFind Gentle Park at www.gentlepark.com

DT PorTfoLio

MenkaCan we say naughty librarian? Pinky Peya plays up the classic navy and scarlet combo on this cotton sari with a little sparkly contrast blouse

Jewellery: Kolors of KathmanduMake-up: Prive’ Salon & Spa Ltd.

DT PorTfoLio

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DT PorTfoLio

ViolaFind Viola at

www.facebook.com/ViolabyFariha17

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DT PorTfoLio

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DT PorTfoLio

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MenkaFind Menka at www.facebook.com/Menka.Rupsmania

DT PorTfoLio

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DT PorTfoLio

ViolaFind Viola at

www.facebook.com/ViolabyFariha17

TANTALISEFashion might be your biggest concern before

Eid, but come festival time, food is the main event. Read on for our mouthwatering recipes to help you be the “Host with the Most”. Ah-

mayzing spread, that is.

tantalise | RECIPE

Nargisi kofta curry| The Westin, Dhaka

Ingredients:• ½ kg mutton mince • 1 stick cinnamon • Salt to taste • ¼ tsp turmeric powder • ½ tsp cumin powder • 1 tsp coriander powder • 1 tsp garam masala • ½ tsp red chili powder • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste • 1 onion, finely chopped • 3 green chilies, finely chopped • 3 tbsp besan (gram flour) • 1 egg, beaten • 8 hard boiled eggs • Oil for deep frying • 1 tsp chaat masala • ½ cup chopped coriander

leaves • Lime wedges for garnish • Food safe twine or rope

Directions:Wash and cook mince with one cup water, salt, cinnamon stick, and turmeric powder for about 20 minutes until cooked and all liquid dries up. Let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, add the cooked mince and onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and all the spice powders. Add the beaten egg and gram flour and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the mixture binds well later.

Peel the hard boiled eggs. Make eight equal sized portions from the meat mixture. Take one portion of meat and flatten the meat in your palm like a cutlet. Put a hardboiled egg in the centre and wrap the meat tightly around it. Tie a piece of thread around the wrapped egg. Repeat with the rest of the eggs and meat. If possible, refrigerate the eggs again. You can make the koftas till this step and refrigerate overnight.

Heat oil in a pan for deep frying. Fry the koftas. Cut the thread. To serve, slit the eggs in halves lengthwise. Sprinkle with chaat masala and serve garnished with coriander leaves and lime wedges on the side. n48

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Directions:First make a spice mixture by combining all the spices (except the lamb) thoroughly in a bowl. Then make a smooth pulp of garlic by crushing the garlic and salt together.

Trim off excess fat from the lamb, then cut the meat into two-inch cubes. Rub the spice paste into the meat and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

Melt Ghee or clarified butter over a low flame and add the prepared onions and ginger.

Add garlic paste (prepared above) and fry further for two to three minutes, making sure that the mixture is frequently stirred. Add the marinated meat and cook with the mixture until all the meat turns brown. Add the tomato puree, green chillies and coriander leaves, then add water to the mixture and bring to a boil. Cover and let it simmer until meat becomes tender.

Turn the flame to medium and cook for 3-4 minutes further, while stirring continuously.

Serve hot, over a bed of rice or pulao. n

Meat durbari

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Ingredients:• 1kg leg of lamb• 2 inch piece of cinnamon• 1 tbsp mustard seeds• 2 tbsp poppy seeds• 1 tbsp sesame seeds• 1 bay leaf• 2-4 dried red chillies• 4 cloves• 2 brown cardamom pods• 10 black peppers• 1 large onion

• 1-inch piece of ginger • 2 fresh green chilies (split

lengthwise into halves)• 2 tbsp chopped coriander

leaves• 3-4 garlic cloves (peeled

and coarsely chopped)• 3 tbsp clarified butter

(ghee)• 3 tbsp wine vinegar• 1 tbsp tomato puree• 175ml warm water

Ingredients:• 1 kg chicken• 1 tsp salt• 1 tsp aniseed• 8 garlic cloves • 4-5 cloves• 1/2 inch piece of ginger• 4 green chillies• 1 cinnamon stick• 3 brown cardamom pods• 2 cups of yoghurt• 6 tsp ghee (clarified butter) • 3 finely chopped onions

Directions:Make a spice paste by grinding together the green chillies, aniseed, ginger, garlic, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and salt with a little water.

Add the paste to the chicken and prick the meat for the flavour to be absorbed fully.

Beat the yoghurt with a spoon then, add to the chicken and leave it to marinate for at least three hours.

Heat the ghee in a pan, add the bay leaves and onions and saute on a high flame till they turn golden brown.

In another pan, warm the milk, add the saffron, stir gently and keep aside.

Add the marinated chicken to the sauted onions. Let it cook on a high flame for five to six minutes.

Now, pour the milk into the chicken and cook on a low flame for 30-40 minutes.

Roast the sultanas and almonds with a dash of oil in a seperate pan, then use this to sprinkle on top of the cooked chicken as a garnish. Serve hot. n

Murg Noorjehani

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tantalise | RECIPE

We all have traditional family favourite Eid recipes, my family included. If you want to mix things up a bit, you can try some of my family’s recipes. Two of them are older, Eid staples, and the last is my modern addition to complement any Eid dinner.

Family feast favourites| Farzana Romine

Kofta Butter Masala(This recipe makes enough for 4 people)

Ingredients For the kofta:

• 2 cups minced beef• 1/3 cup minced onion• 1 tsp minced green chillies• 1 tsp ginger paste• 1/2 tsp garlic paste• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder• 1/4 tsp cumin powder• 1/4 tsp coriander powder• 1/3 cup bread crumb• 1/2 beaten egg• Salt to taste

Directions:Thoroughly mix all the ingredients for the kofta.

Divide and shape the mixture into medium size balls. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the balls until brown. Take the kofta out of the pan and set the fully cooked meatballs aside. Now, de-glaze the pan with half a cup of water. To de-glaze the pan, pour the water over the pan and scrape all the brown bits into a bowl. (They have a lot of flavour, and we will save them for the gravy later.)

For the gravy, first heat the butter and the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the cardamom and cinnamon. Stir for 30 seconds, and then add the onion, ginger, and garlic pastes. Keep cooking over medium heat until the raw onion smell is gone; about four to five minutes.

Now, add the chilli, coriander, and cumin powder. Fry for one minute.

Next, add the tomato paste and purée. Cook until the oil separates from the masala mix. Now, add the yoghurt or buttermilk, salt and sugar. Cook for a few more minutes.

Add the kasuri methi and the water from the pan that we saved earlier. Once the water comes to a boil, add the cashew nut paste. Mix well. If the mixture seems too thick, add half a cup water. Once it comes to a boil, add the kofta. Let the kofta simmer in the gravy over medium heat for four to five minutes.

Just before taking it off the heat add the cream, mix well. Taste and adjust the salt and sugar. Sprinkle some garam masala over.

Serve hot with pilaf, boiled rice or your favourite flat bread. n

For the gravy:• 1 cup onion paste• 2 tbsp tomato paste• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped• 1 tbsp ginger paste• 1 tsp garlic paste• 1/2 cup buttermilk or yoghurt• 3 tbsp cashew nut paste• 2 tbsp fenugreek leaves (kasuri

methi)• 1/3 cup cream• 1 tsp chilli powder• 1 tsp coriander powder• 1 tsp cumin powder• 2 small cinnamon sticks• 2 cardamom pods• 1 tsp garam masala powder• 3 tbsp butter• 1/4 cup vegetable or sunflower oil• 1 tbsp sugar• Salt to taste 51

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tantalise | RECIPE

Ingredients:• 3 chicken fillets• 2 tbsp ginger paste• 1 tbsp garlic paste• 1 cup yoghurt• 1 tsp chili powder• 2 tbsp butter• Garlic, finely chopped• 2 tbsp lemon juice• 1 tsp orange food colour• Salt• Pepper

Directions:Take the chicken breast fillets and cut them into big cubes.

Add the ginger and garlic pastes, chilli powder, yoghurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, food colour (powder) in a bowl and mix well. Next, add the cubes of chicken breast and leave to marinated in the refrigerate overnight.

Take a non-stick pan and add butter and finely chopped garlic in it and add the marinated chicken cubes. Keep on a low flame until they are cooked.

Take a steel skewer and push the chicken pieces in the skewer and put it directly over the flame. You can brush melted butter on the chicken for extra flavour. Keep twisting the handle. This will bring out a glorious tandoori taste and look.

Serve with a sauce of your choice and naan/rulami roti/paratha. n

Reshmi Kababs| Nadia Lakhani

Reshmi Kababs

Photos: Mehboob Hossain Tashrif

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Ingredients:• 500ml milk• Water• 3 mangoes• 25gm almonds• 25gm pistachios• 1 tbsp cardamom powder• 1 can condensed milk • 150gm sugar• 250gm mawa/sandesh • Rose water syrup (optional)

Mango KulfiMango Kulfi

Mix together the milk and condensed milk over a low flame and bring it to boil. Remember to stir constantly. Add the sugar to the boiling milk mixture. Then, add the cardamom powder.

Keep boiling the milk until it is reduced to half of its original quantity (if needed, mark the vessel before adding the milk) and make sure the consistency is thick. Boil it for at least 30 minutes on low flame.

Next, take the nuts (take more of pistachios than almonds), add to 100ml of water and boil for about five minutes. Peel the almonds and finely chop both nuts and add them to the

milk.Once the milk is reduced and

thickened add mawa or sandesh to it and mix extremely well. Cook for another five minutes and then add mango pulp (of approximately three mangoes) and saffron to the milk, and stir well.

Take it off the stove and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.

Slowly pour them into the kulfi mould and put them into the freezer for at least 24 hours before serving.

Serve with rose water syrup and freshly sliced mangoes (you can even add pistachios if you like extra crunch). n

Directions:

Photos: Mehboob Hossain Tashrif

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Beef Tehari in mustard oil(This recipe yields 4 to 5 servings)

Ingredients:• 1 kg beef (on the bone), cut

into small pieces• 1/2 kg good quality pilaf rice

(I use chinigura rice)• 2 medium sized potatoes,

cut into cubes• 1 cup mustard oil • 1 cup yoghurt • 2 cups of chopped onions• 1 tbsp ginger paste• 1/2 tbsp garlic paste• 4 pieces of cinnamon stick (1

inch length each)• 3 bay leaves• 6 whole cardamom pods• 1 tsp nutmeg powder• 1 tsp mace powder • 2 tbsp milk powder• 10 green chillies• 1 tbsp rose water• 1 tbsp kewra water• Salt to taste

Directions:Heat the mustard oil in a medium size pot over medium heat.Mix the ginger, garlic paste, nutmeg powder, mace powder and yoghurt.When the oil is hot, add the bay leaf, onion, cinnamon and cardamom. Cook until onion is soft. Now add the yoghurt mixture and salt. Cook until it thickens and starts to separate from the oil.

Add the beef and let it come to a boil. Once it boils, add enough hot water to submerge the beef and cook over medium low heat, until the beef is tender. It will take about 1 to 2 hours.

Just before the meat is done, add the milk powder, green chillies and potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are soft. Make sure the potatoes are cooked through, but still able to hold their shape.

Remove the potatoes and beef from the gravy. The gravy should be really thick. If it is not, place the gravy over high heat and let it reduce.

Wash the rice three to four times to get rid of extra starch and cook either in a rice cooker or on the stove.

IMPORTANT TIP: Unlike many tehari recipes, you will need to cook the rice in the gravy, rather then cooking the rice separately and mixing it with the meat curry.

If you are using a rice cooker, measure the rice with rice cooker cup. Rice cooker pots have marks which indicate water levels in relation to the amount of rice. Pour the washed rice

in the rice cooker and then add the gravy. Now fill the rest of the rice cooker with water, until it reaches the line corresponding to the amount of rice used.

If you are cooking the rice on the stove top, cook as you would polau, but reduce the amount of water to compensate for the gravy. For example, if you usually use two cups of water and have one cup of gravy, you would instead use one cup of water and one cup of gravy. Don’t forget to add extra salt to the polau. Although the gravy has salt, it isn’t enough to season all of the polau.

When the rice is halfway cooked, gently rotate the rice with a spoon, bringing the top portion to the bottom and bottom to the top. It helps the rice cook evenly. I find that it’s also useful to do the same, even when you are cooking in rice cooker, as the gravy tends to settle on the top.

When the rice is almost done add the rose water, kewra water, and the meat. Mix gently. Now add the potatoes on top and let it steam for further 10 minutes over low heat.

If you are using a rice cooker, press the cook button again to ensure that any remaining gravy is absorbed. The rice cooker will automatically shut off once all the liquid is absorbed.

Serve hot with tomato cucumber salad and fresh lime or lemon wedges. n

Tip: To save time, you can prepare the meat the day before and make the actual dish on Eid day.

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Directions:You have to make the cream patisserie first.

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, saffron and 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and remaining sugar until well combined. Whisk in cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated. While whisking the egg mixture constantly, slowly add one cup of the heated milk to the egg mixture. Strain this mixture into the milk remaining in the saucepan. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a full boil, for four to six minutes.

Transfer to a medium bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap against the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for

Salted Caramel and Saffron Eclairs(Makes 10 medium size eclairs)

Ingredients:

For the Saffron Cream Patisserie:2 cups milk1/2 cup sugar4 egg yolks5 tbsp cornstarch1/4 tsp saffron For the choux pastry:1 cup flour1/2 cup water1/2 cup milk2 tsp sugar1 tsp salt6 tbsp butter4 eggs For the Salted Caramel Glaze:2 tbsp butter1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 cup cream (heavy cream or any cream that you have)1/2 tsp coarse salt

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at least three hours. If refrigerating overnight, be sure to use the cream the next day.

Tip: If you are not careful with the heat, the cream will split. To prevent this, use a heavy bottom pan to make the cream. You can also use the double boiler technique. Take a frying pan, fill with water, and bring to a boil. Then put the pot on the pan and prepare the cream as instructed. This technique takes time, but you will have better control over heat and you won’t end up with scrambled eggs.

Next, move on to making the choux pastry.

Preheat oven to 350F/180C.In a saucepan, bring the milk,

water, sugar, salt and butter to a boil.Remove from heat and add

the flour all at once and mix with a wooden spoon until totally incorporated. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for a minute or two while stirring. This will help to pull out the moisture from the batter. When the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, you are finished stirring.

Transfer the batter to a large bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, carefully incorporating each into the batter using the wooden spoon or a stand mixer.

Fit a pastry bag with a large half inch round or star tip and pipe the dough into four or five inch long strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Dust with powdered sugar and bake for about 40 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, open the oven door slightly to let the steam escape. Bake for the remaining 30 minutes with the oven door slightly open, until golden. (Use a wooden spoon to

keep the oven door open.) Remove eclairs from the oven,

prick each with a skewer to release steam and allow to cool on a wire rack.

For the salted caramel glaze, melt the butter in a heavy bottom pan over medium heat.

Now add the brown sugar. Don’t mix with a spoon. Just use the handle to swirl the sugar to incorporate in the butter.

Over medium heat, let the sugar melt with the butter and let it come to a boil. Keep an eye on it. It will take about four to five minutes until it caramelises and becomes dark brown. Once it reaches a dark brown colour, add the cream.

Keep the heat on medium. Continue stirring for another four to five minutes until the glaze thickens. If it seems too thick to spread, then you can add more cream.

Once done, remove from the heat and add the salt. Mix well and let cool.

To assemble the eclairs, take the cream out of the fridge and beat well.

Now take an éclair, make a small hole on both ends and pipe the cream in. Dip one side in the caramel glaze and top with your favourite toasted nuts. You can also cut them in half lengthwise and fill them. It’s much faster. n

tantalise | RECIPE

Fasting and Feasting| Noor-E-Shahrin

looking for ways to spice up your Eid vacation? ‘Tis the season to spend some magical time with family and friends.

After a long day of hunger and thirst, it’s time you treat yourself. Here’s a list of awesome iftar and seheri offers from all over the capital. Help yourselves!

NomadsSehri Special: Unlimited rice with chicken ginger mushroom, spicy beef, Kangkong in mushroom and gravy, seafood cocktail, Mongolian chicken satay, Thai egg yellow curry, drinks included.Price: Tk380Offer Available: 10pm to 3amContact: 01867347803 for reservation Dhanmondi

OreganoSehri Special: Wholesome grilled chicken and unlimited Spanish rice, potato wedges, chickpeas salad, drinks included.Price: Tk799 per platter, serves for two people.Offer Available: 12:30am to 2:30amContact: 01728213171 for reservations.Dhanmondi

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Rice & NoodleIftar Special: pasta salad, crackers prawn, chicken spring roll, Korean wings, fresh green salad, fried rice, steamed rice, mee goreng, ghee daal, chicken jhal masala, beef mezbaan, Indian vegetable, chicken garlic Pepper, beef chilli (dry or onion),fish black pepper, Thai mixed vegetable, jilapi, firni, water.Price: Tk899Offer Available: Flexible timingContact: 01789531819 for ReservationBanani

Yellow CafeSehri Special: Arabian grilled ChickenPrice: Tk399Offer Available: Flexible timingContact: 01628812502 Dhanmondi

Mesquite GrillRamadhan Special: The wholesome smoky chicken breasts with lively Cajun kicks, a mushroom sauce, sautéed vegetables, fries, peppered rice, trifle pudding, dates, drinks included.Price: Tk695+ Offer Available : Iftar and seheriContact: 01933360852 for reservationDhanmondi

TastebudSehri Special: Honey glazed wings, garlic chicken, cashew nut salad, beef in mushroom sauce, chicken drum stick, fried rice.Price: Tk550++Offer Available: 1am to 4amContact: 01615250005Banani

Al-AmarIftar and Dinner Special: Dates, falafel, chicken wings, seasonal fruits, jilapi, grilled chicken, chicken tawouk, rice, drinks included.Price: Tk950Offer Available: Iftar to seheriContact: 01745563819Dhamondi

Chinese Bowl HakkaRamadan Special: Details of platter A: Wrapped prawn, vegetable egg fried rice, Hakka chicken noodles, cashew nut chicken, szechuan prawn, Mongolian beef, dates, drinks included.Details of platter B: Chicken lollipop, vegetable egg fried rice, Hakka chicken noodles, slice chicken chilli oyster, spicy green prawn, manchurian beef, drinks included.Price: Tk1300(for 2), Tk2500(for 4)Offer Available: Iftar till seheriContact: 01841487733 for reservationBanani

Tree HouseSehri Special: Half BBQ chicken, potato wedges, rice, sliced salad, milk shake.Price: Tk650+Offer Available: 12am to 3:30amContact: 01670828528Banani

Cold Stone CreamerySehri Special: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Mexican Grilled Chicken: Price: Tk545+ Mexican Mini Steak: Price: Tk645+Offer Available: 11pm to 3amContact: 01785777000Gulshan

EID READSIt takes an army to pull off a truly fabulous Eid dawat.

From your wardrobe, to the food on your table, to the look and feel of your home, there is a lot to think

about. Read on for special interviews, guides, tips and tricks to make it all easier to manage, and hopefully there’s something in there to make you smile as well.

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tempt | ACCESSORY

Accessories to matchBring on your A game with these accessories to create looks that will shame the sternest fashionistas

Afsheen

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick (Tk2,380 each)

2. Kat Von D Shade & Light Face Palette (Tk6,100)

3. Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit (Tk4,500)

4. MAC Lipstick (Tk2,095)5. Limited Edition MakeupGeek

MannyMUA Palette (Tk6,500)

6. Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette (Tk6,400)

Afrah Fashion

Golden kataan clutch, laced with Kundan, blue velvet clutch with crystal stone embroidery and yellow kataan clutch with jute flap, decorated with stone, all prices ranging from Tk1,000 to Tk3,000.

tucked in | INTERVIEW

Photo: Courtesy

Home.Works began its journey two years ago, taking the furniture industry by storm, changing the way we look

at home decor. Possessing incredible passion for interior design, coupled with a positive vision for what the design market should look like, Umbareen Ihtesham decided to take matters into her hands and cater to the burgeoning needs of the stagnant market. A meeting point between contemporary designs and classic styles, Home.Works is Umbareen’s brainchild, with her looking at the creative side of the store while her brother facilitates the business aspects. With a diploma in interior design, Umbareen has had a 20-year romance with interior design, arts and also a short but fiery affair with event management. After her passionate stints with design arts - both interior decorating and event planning, she’s finally found her space with Home.Works, a magical store where she can fully realise her design goals and give the world a glimpse into spaces and pieces that represent her design

| N Anita Amreen

Umbareen Ihtesham, on her love for decor

Inside interiorsInside interiors

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ideals. Today, we speak to the leading lady

behind the Home.Works team to find out more about her inspirations, dream projects and her favourite styles.

What does the Home.Works product line consist of?The store caters to the vast taste and needs of homemakers so that there really is something for everyone. What I love about the store is how just about anyone visiting can find something of interest - be it a chandelier, a lampstand or even a large rug. We have a sophisticated and wide variety of household decoration products, utility products, kitchen products, furniture, chandeliers, wall painting and much more.

What’s currently trending in terms of colour, material, style, etc?The current trend this season is vibrant and bright. Colours like red, yellow and navy blue are fun, bright ways to liven up furniture while on the other hand, there’s the rustic and distressed styles. The latter can easily act as a statement piece, livening the room up.

What’s your three-step-guide to giving homes a quick Eid makeover?1. Begin by changing the colour

scheme of your room. There’s two ways to go about this: you can choose to highlight a few walls using wallpapers or entirely change the colour scheme of a wall.

2. Another easy way to bring a festive feel to your home is to enhance your table set up. You can use runners, platters, napkin holders, mats, etc for special guests and friends.

3. Finally, the use of artificial plants and flowers can really bring your alive. Coupled with warm LED candles, you can achieve that warm, cozy feel of home.

trial room

A royal affairSarah Karim on high wattage fashion

When you think bridal wear, and imagine classic aesthetics infused with modern cuts, you

instantly think: Sarah Karim. The Sarah Karim outfit is the ultimate image of royalty, glamour and sensuality. There’s nothing quite understated about her designs - it’s not about making a statement - it’s about being the statement. With only seven years since she began her journey, she’s quickly made her mark as the most sought after designer of evening wear and bridal couture in Bangladesh.

Interestingly, Sarah’s foray into the designing world actually began as a hobby she pursued as she helped her grandmother-in-law’s brand Al Ehsan that specialised in detailed zardosi, aari work, gotapatti and embroidery dating back to the Mughal Era. “My grandmother-in-law has been in the designing business for 35 years. She worked with a group of artisans, giving them design work for sarees that were sold under her brand. It was entirely a charity back in the day, as the work supported the embroidery artists that worked for her. When my grandmother fell ill, I had to take over. It actually started as a responsibility as there were all these workers that couldn’t go unemployed,” she shared. For her, it seemed to be a “natural progression” as she stepped into her grandmother’s shoes, and slowly but surely built the brand to make it what it is today. “Initially, we used to design sarees, but soon we progressed from not just doing sarees to doing jackets,

| N Anita Amreen

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tops, fusion kameezes and also customised bridal wear.”

For someone who’s raced through the tiers of designing success in what is, undoubtedly, a fairly competitive industry, Sarah never knew this is where she’d stand today. Possessing a Master’s degree in English, her love affair with the arts was rooted in her love for literature. Teaching Shakespeare at high school and later University, if it weren’t for the overwhelming demands for her designs, and her “not being a morning person,” she’d probably still be a professor. During the birth of her third child, around seven years ago, she decided to call her teaching career quits, fully committing her time to her family and her designs.

Soon enough, with her client base growing and excited whispers about her designs taking centrefold, her success knew no bounds. When asked about the secret to her success, she attributes it to her being a perfectionist: “I am very particular about my designs, colours and my fabric. I will only make something that I truly like. Sometimes I’ve spent weeks making something that didn’t turn out the way I wanted. In that case, I never put it on the rack. My attitude isn’t that, ‘Oh, somebody might just like this.. .’ For me, I only display those outfits that I love myself.”

As far as her designs are concerned, it wasn’t advertisement or social media that took her to the forefront of the fashion scene. In fact, it was word-of-mouth and a select, exclusive client base that stuck to the brand over the years. Barely investing in any advertisement, marketing or even a Facebook page, her clients came as references from older clients and could only meet after making appointments. “For the longest time my clients could only come with an appointment but now, I no longer have that luxury and must allow walk-in clients to make way for demand,” she added.

All Sarah’s designs have one recurring theme, a central idea - they’ve all got classic, regal designs

and work, but with modern cuts. Any Sarah Karim outfit goes through a rigorous and detailed process as it goes from sketches that finally take the shape of real designs. “I look into a lot of classic, old, Mughal designs or motifs... whereas the fabric is modern, the work is always very classic.”

With Sarah Karim gracing the fashion shows such as The Lustrous Runway (TLR) for the past five years, her designs have been worn by the likes of Malaika Arora Khan and Lisa Ray, both showstoppers at TLR. One of the proudest moments for her came when Khan complimented Sarah on her designs. “She visited right after celebrating her sister-in-law’s big Bollywood wedding. She said, ‘If only I had seen this outfit two weeks ago, I would have definitely worn this instead.’ She was very sweet.” While that, to Sarah, has been the greatest compliment, she also takes immense pride in every outfit she makes. “In fact, for me every client is a celebrity. I feel especially satisfied when a bride is delighted with her outfit. That really fills my heart,” she added with a genuine smile.

As we came to the end of our interview she shared her infectious excitement and love for design. “I wake up in the morning and I’m so excited to come to work. I’m always looking forward to seeing how my sketches are turning out.” With her growing client base and steady encouragement from her husband, Sarah is considering offers of retailing at prestigious stores in Delhi, London and New York. As for the immediate future, she’s excited about the overwhelming response to her bridal line. However, as a private person who likes to keep a healthy balance between work and home, she’s content to not rush into too many new ventures. “I really think it’s very important to find the right balance between work and home. Sometimes when I get really busy I don’t like it because you have to have some free time to enjoy your success and savour what you’ve achieved. I really am very content with where I am right now, I feel quite happy.”

Rapid fire with Sarah Karim

Any two fashion icons you’d like to have coffee with.A lot of my designs are inspired by Indian royalty. Especially the period when local crafts of karchop and zardozi got fused with European chiffons and georgette fabrics. That was a very interesting period and I think an icon of that period would be Maharani Gayatri Devi. Don’t know about coffee but I’d definitely like to look into her wardrobe.

Now that you’re a full time designer, if you could have chosen an alternate career what would it be?I’d be teaching Shakespeare with a passion.

A trend that should die?Actually no trend should die. Over time, you grow to embrace different styles and fashion. I was really dreading the fact that kameez lengths are getting short but now I really like it. Fashion is something that grows on you, there’s nothing that I would discount and say I hate.

If you could switch lives with any person for a day, who would that be?Not anyone, really. I am really quite content being who I am, and I’m not a very ambitious person so I certainly don’t want to switch lives with somebody who’s famous.

If you’re really stressed out what’s a go to way to de-stress?I say my obligatory five prayers daily. It’s the perfect way to de-stress.

What are your biggest phobias?A zipper not working in the last minute - I’m paranoid about that!

Three things no one knows about you?First, I have three children, with my eldest son who’s 16 and much taller than me. Second, I’m actually a very private person, I shun the limelight and it’s a difficult field to be in. Third is probably that I was trained to be an English professor.

What are you most excited about?I’m very excited about the bridal lines I’ve worked on for the past two years, lines that have generated a lot of interest. I like the fact that brides can wear something that is locally produced and manufactured...which in turn provides sustainable employment to our artisans. This is a source of immense satisfaction for me! n

Photo: Courtesy

When decorating a home, what is the one thing people get wrong?Colour coordination.

What’s your favourite room in a home?It would definitely be the family room as that’s essentially where people spend most of their time with family and close friends. For me, the family room has to be warm, bright and comfortable.

If you could design a dream home, what would it be like?For me it’s all about finding a balance, a synergistic blend between the ethnic and the modern aspect of decor. Given a choice between renovating an old house and decorating a brand new house, I would definitely choose to work on the older home. I would choose to retain as many existing items, revamp those pieces, giving it my own, personal touch and spin for a brand new feel. Finally, I’d add a few new pieces as required and that would be my idea of designing the ultimate dream home.

What are your design goals?Probably running a home decor store that offers a variety of products for clients. I also feel very passionate about home decor. As an interior designer, I love the interplay with different colour schemes and dream about converting empty spaces or living spaces into works of art - that truly is my ultimate design goal. n

Photos: Courtesy

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eid reads | CUSTOM CLOTHING

The struggle is real: The Tailor Edition| Nashshaba Nawaz

Eid, the time of the year when a tailor is a girl’s best friend.

In light of the approach of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the

culmination of the sacred month of Ramadan, it has almost become indispensable for Dhakaites to commence preparations for the religious occasion two weeks early. Preparations include cooking a myriad of various scrumptious dishes ranging from the quintessential Eid delicacy, lachha shemai, to homemade fuchkas, doi boras, faludas and so on. However, the task we are most eager to check off from our to-do list is getting our shopping done. While some prefer the convenience accompanied with buying readymade clothes, others opt for unique, self-designed tailored ones. The latter does have the added advantage of not having to enter a room only to discover two other people wearing the same outfit. Awkward! But behind those pretentious laughs and Instagram pictures captioned #accidentaltwinning, you wished you were the only one strutting that Tk14,000 kurti. Not so special now, is it?

This is where tailors come in, helping us own our signature style rather than give into mainstream trends. Much like the busy intersections during rush hour, it can get quite chaotic in tailoring shops due to the rush of clients before Eid. That is why most tailors stop taking orders ten days after the beginning of Ramadan.

The relationship with one’s tailor might be a bittersweet one and at any one point you may begin to feel as if though they never fail to disappoint

you. If I had a dollar for every time

someone put up a status two days before Eid complaining about how their tailor has ruined their lives then I would finally be able to afford a Mac pro without having to sell my kidney. You had this beautiful day planned out but now everything has been spoiled due to your tailor’s carelessness. You wish you could stop time and cry convulsively. This is followed by empty threats of never placing any more orders there in hopes to scare your tailor and convince him to make the needed alterations within the limited amount of time left. The number of times anyone has actually proclaimed that they were content with the product of their tailor’s work is equivalent to the number of times Donald Trump’s non-existent Muslim friends have praised his Islamophobic statements.

Last Eid-ul-Fitr, at a party, a friend of mine was quite upset as her tailor was unable to deliver her dress on time, causing her to attend the event wearing a plain, old kameez. While dropping her off at her home – to both of our astonishment- there stood her tailor holding the kameez, the one for which she had waited in anticipation, at the threshold of her doorway. At that exact moment I glanced over at my friend only to discover that the once timid girl had morphed into a fire breathing dragon ready to incinerate the poor tailor with her death ray vision. Since we have already begun a walk down memory lane I would not want to miss out on that one time when my tailor had sewn my entire outfit inside out! Is it really that hard

to tell apart the portion of cloth that is supposed to be on inside from the one that was intended to be on the outside?

The most important thing that we do forget is that tailors are humans too and it is human nature to err.

Remember that intense anxiety and stress that you experience the night before an exam you have not prepared for or that assignment you still have not worked on with the deadline being in two hours? That is what tailors go through before Eid. One man with a team of at most twenty people versus eighty of us, demanding our given arduous tasks be completed within a brief time span. You might think that this situation is relatable to the scenes in Christmas movies where Santa Claus and his elves strive to get out all the presents before midnight, only you cannot. Unlike Santa Claus and his elves, these workers remain hunched over sewing machines and ironing boards working overtime from sehri till iftar without food or drink in substandard working conditions with measly wages. While we sit in our air-conditioned rooms complaining about their incompetence, they slave away in a poorly ventilated, tiny confined space. Now where is the humanity in that? When did we start valuing an inanimate piece of cloth more than a human being’s quality of life?

Just like tailored clothes, we too are flawed. Therefore, this Ramadan let’s take out some time to rectify our mistakes and express our gratitude to not only the tailors but to all the people whose efforts go hand in hand in ensuring that we have an exceptional Eid. n

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eid reads | ZAKAT

The five pillars of Islam are the foundation of the Muslim (Sunni) faith; they make up the framework for life according to

Islam. These include: Faith (Shahada), Prayer (Salah), Charity (Zakat), Fasting (Sawm) and Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). The third pillar, which is Zakat, becomes particularly important as Eid-Ul-Fitr approaches. It is quite easy to get swept away in the festivities and craze of Ramadan as the grand celebrations and excitement of Eid tends to overshadow the humble and modest nature of charity and giving, despite it being of equal importance.

Zakat, in simple terms, is charity or giving to the needy and impoverished 2.5% of ones net wealth and assets. A common misconception may be that donations ought to be given to charities, mosques or madrasas and other religion affiliated institutions but the truth is, it can be given to anyone

| Achol Chowdhury

Our third responsibility

eligible. The criterion of which apply to the following:

• Those who posses property below the value of Nisab, which is the current value of three ounces of gold or Tk3,04,752.875, people who posses no property or wealth whatsoever, those appointed to collect Zakat or to those who have recently converted to Islam. Zakat may also be used to purchase the freedom of those enslaved, or aid a traveller who is stranded or away from his place of residence and in need of assistance. Even a person whose net worth, due to debt, falls under the value of Nisab is eligible for zakat.

• Anyone to whom the given criteria applies to is eligible to receiving Zakat, be it household help or family and relatives (apart from immediate family as they fall under obligation to be supported financially). Most scholars agree that the best course of action is to give zakat to those near, such as neighbours and relatives. This zakat can be given in many forms, either as the amount of money itself or as other contributions such in the form of clothing.

Most stores also offer zakat clothing such as saris and lungis specifically during the months prior to Eid-ul-Fitr, and the pricing usually ranges between Tk300-700.

Despite the familiarity and comfort we derive from aiding those near and dear to us, at times like this, there are more of our fellow Muslims left destitute due to war who are in dire need. Millions of displaced refugees and others left impoverished could be helped by donations to charities such as ‘Islamic Relief’, to which a donation of £50 can feed a family for a month, or to UNHCR or Unicef; the former provides shelter and abets refugees all over Europe and the latter provides clean water and medication.

In conclusion, zakat may be given in many forms to a wide pool of people, be it in ones immediate vicinity or to our fellow Muslims in need halfway across the world, the important thing to remember is, despite how easily eclipsed zakat may be, it is a method to cleanse ones wealth. After all, ‘’Riches does not mean, having a great amount of property, but riches is self-contentment.’’ n

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Host the Perfect Eid Party

eid reads | HOST

If you’re a social butterfly, it is mandatory for you to throw an Eid party that has everyone raving for months after. But, have the years of

experience on party planning turned you into an expert planner or are you frantically looking for directions? Well, look no further.

Here is a list of things you would like to get done first in preparation for the big day.

Set the date It is crucial that you get this right. It is advisable that you do not host the party on the actual day of Eid because everyone has their own guests coming over and ten other parties to attend. It is exceptionally hard to stand out and totally not worth it. Pick another day that you think will suit everyone. Consult them if necessary.

Make an invitation list We think that we will remember to invite everyone who is on the invitation list but we might forget to confirm since preparing for the party can take a toll. Make a list by writing names down and do this weeks in advance so that you can cross off or add names, and make any alterations depending on who is dating who and if they have broken up yet. Remember to invite everyone The number of times someone didn’t get invited because an invite was sent out which didn’t get delivered is too high. Do not even think of doing this. It is best if you invite them in person or over the phone. Leaving emails and messages is a complete no-no.

Plan the menu The food is what everyone will remember mostly and have detailed conversations about as if they are practising to judge in the next season of Masterchef. You do not want to be serving the same boring dishes everyone else is. Mix it up a little. Also, remember to include plenty options so

that vegetarians and kids don’t have to go hungry.

The next step is to clean the mess that is your house. There is no shame in admitting it. The best of us cannot keep it tidy and perfect at all times. Begin tidying up a few days prior to the event so that not all the work needs to get done at once.

5 tips to a spruced up home:

Remove all clutter Begin in the most common areas where the guests will be seated or are likely to be roaming around and work your way down to the least important areas.

Dust and vacuum everything Clear all the cobwebs and vacuum the carpets. Clean any shiny surfaces so that they do not look dull. It will add a little something to the décor.

Make your bedBengali guests have a tendency to peek into the bedroom or even have a nap in there sometimes, so making your bed should be a priority. It makes any room look tidier, so it is best to not skip it.

Lighting It can change the entire outlook of the room. Bring out the lampshades you have been storing and put them to use.

Plotted plants of flowers These can be a great addition to the house. They are neat and have a homely feel about them that guests are sure to appreciate. Indoor plants are very low maintenance too, making them hassle free.

The all-important checklistNote down the things you know you have to shop for and make copies if you’re forgetful. Most importantly, make a checklist for the day. This may include various additions that need to

be done at the last minute or things you need to lay out or check on.

Some common things on the last minute checklist are:

Plenty tissue paper and soap in the washrooms Never underestimate the amount of each that guests can go through in a short period of time. Stock up and save yourself from the embarrassment of running out.

Have a few fun activities planned Bringing out the board games and laying them out is a last minute thing that most of us overlook. Taking them out beforehand saves you from going through your drawers and cabinets searching for them in front of your guests.

Prayer mats Have a few at hand so that guests don’t have to wait too long to pray as your single prayer mat gets rotated around.

Dress up Bring out the dress you have been saving for a special occasion. You are the host. Blow their socks off!

Do not stress We cannot stress enough on this (pun intended). Remaining calm no matter what happens is your best shot at getting this party to be what you envisioned.

Follow these steps and be rest assured that your social butterfly status will remain intact. n

| Fariha Afroz

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Six types of cousins on Eid

eid reads | HUMOUR

Eid is a wonderful time for friends and family to get together in order to celebrate the auspicious day and

perhaps, catch up with each other. No matter how friendly we are with the elders of our family, we tend to look forward to spending more time with cousins during the festivities. Here are six types of cousins you’ll see during the Eid holiday.

The HumblebragsThis is the prodigy that won all the competitions, topped all exams, was a football star in school, talented in all aspects, and s/he knows it. Their advice on getting anywhere in life is to ‘just try’. And the worst part? Not only is he younger than you, he’s also your nanu’s favourite.

The Siamese TwinsThey’re the same age and have the

| Achol Chowdhury

same mannerisms. Once they meet, after the initial shriek of excitement upon seeing each other, the only sounds you’ll hear from the duo are whispers. You’ve only seen them together, do they have individual personalities? You don’t know.

The Black SheepThe cautionary tale of the family, this is the one that did something back in 2008 that is still brought up during Eid lunch, and has landed him in the family no-fly list. You’re sure that half the stories you hear about him are excerpts from Indian TV shows but you’re not too keen on finding out yourself.

The Married OneNow this is the one who is approximately 10 years older than you, married and has annoying kids. Stuck in a generational grey area where they seem to be in conflict whether they are too young to hang out with the aunties and uncles, or too old to fully get along with the rest of the cousins.

The I-Cant-live-without-my-phoneRunning out of charge? Need a portable charger? She has them all. She probably types 60 words per

minute, and her response to “Get off your phone!” is always, “Okay one minute,” but that one minute never ends, almost as if she holds a record for fastest replies, just not when anyone from the family texts her.

The KhadokHe is your nanu’s other favourite, this is the young “Rohan” from Kabhi Khushi Khabie Gham, and his laddus are your nanu’s special Kachchi. He’s the one you take with you to all the ‘all you can eat’ Ramadan iftar offers because he’s the only one you know who can actually give the restaurants a run for their money. You also wonder if he fasts or just says he does.

The Foreigners These are the ones that fly down to Bangladesh every few years. They tend to spend most of their time asking you questions like, “Umm, is the internet always this slow?” “Umm, is there always this much traffic?” “Umm, is it always this hot here?” And every time they talk to you, their accents seem to get thicker and thicker. Yours might even begin to slowly morph into theirs, resulting in a weird accent which your friends will surely laugh at you in school. n66

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The art of extracting

Eidi

eid reads | TOKEN OF LOVE

Eid is almost upon us. Growing up as a kid, Eid meant wearing fancy clothes, praying in large mosques, eating sweets with

far too many calories and, the most awaited moment of the year, collecting Eidi (minus the inflation, obviously).

Eidi, more commonly known as ‘Salami’ in Bangladesh, is called so because you are required to touch the feet of an elderly person; in exchange of that act of respect the adult pays you money as an Eid gift. Most kids don’t touch feet any more as a greeting is enough. According to doctrine, however, Eidi was supposed to be more like Christmas where people hand out presents, but who has the time for that? Plus, we all prefer some cash on us, since most of the gifts would probably be hideous clothing you’ll end up never wearing.

The funny fact is that the Eidi culture has been so deeply rooted into our minds that not receiving money, or getting paid less than the year’s expected sum (yes, we calculate the amount we look forward to earn each year) saddens teens and children alike. Hence, my this is guide on how to make the most out of your Eid.

Okay so first off, you’ve got to single out your cheap relatives and your more generous one’s. The best way to do so is by looking at their previous contributions. Below 1,000 or 500? Write their names down. Anticipate less from them. You should be able to visit about 20 relatives in the span of your two to three days of Eid adventures, so calculate an average of how much you’ll get. Remember, expectation is the primary cause of heartache, so it’s important you reach a practical figure.

Tip number two: keep your stash safely with yourself, because if you hand it to your parents (oh, gullible you!), you might as well say goodbye

to your bills. Oh, and since we’re talking family, if you’ve got siblings, the competition is on. You’ve got to step up your game, be more well-mannered and hopefully the oldest of the group, because over the years, I’ve seen the elder siblings getting more.

Okay, we’ve settled in quite comfortably. If you’ve followed my advice till now, you should be well within the double figures of notes. However, we still need to talk about your appearance on Eid day. Please don’t wear something conspicuous or offensive, and although you probably won’t, remember that the decency and respectfulness of your attire is proportional to your Eidi. That point is absolutely essential and cannot be emphasised on any less. Is your hair messy or too long? If you’re a guy, wearing a ‘toopi’ and keeping it on all day should fix that. Yes, it’s annoying, I know, but would you regrow all that hair? For girls however, I would suggest you to immediately get a haircut and conform to social norms, for just these few days. I know how pretty you people look with your hair, but nah uh not going to work on Eid. Besides, just trim off a couple of inches.

Right, we’ve come to the end of our Eidi hacks. Keep in mind that no matter what I tell you to do, collecting ‘salami’ is a subtle art, mastered through years of practice. And have fun on Eid with family and friends because that’s what it’s all about. Today, you’re getting paid. Who knows, tomorrow you might wake up to find assorted bills in your wallet to give to your ever eager children, nephews and niece. n

| Jawad Mahruj Khan

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trial room

Evolution of Humaira KhanWe take a look at the inner workings of a fashion designer

if there has been a few reigning names, a handful of designers that have spearheaded the growth of the Bangladesh’s fashion industry,

ANOKHI by Humaira Khan definitely makes it to the top of the list. With 27 years in the business, ANOKHI has been a name that’s synonymous with individualistic, yet stylish designs that have stood tall and proud as the reigning queen of today’s fashion scene. ANOKHI’s clothing is always chic, never overstated, projecting the elegant style sense of the wonder woman behind the scenes of this powerhouse of success: Humaira Khan.

This fiery woman didn’t just stumble upon a fashion career, but rather feels it was her one true calling. A pressing, urgent need to address her passion for design. Her obsession with design was so urgent, the need for glamorous outfits felt more pressing than before, she couldn’t help but take up the irresistible challenge of designing her own outfits. One thing led to another, before she knew it, her friends demanded to be draped in a “Humaira Khan” design, with orders pouring in at overwhelming rates. Starting out with zero investment, it was sheer hard work, years of perseverance and the quest for constant evolution that allowed her to establish her brand as it is today. She took the challenge in her stride, with ANOKHI’s store set up to become the benchmark of style and fashion of the times to come. The rest, as they say is history.

Today, we catch up with the brains behind the brand to find out

| N Anita Amreen

more about her passion for design, and talk about how it feels to be a top designer and plans to take Bangladesh’s fashion scene to a global platform.

The driving force behind her designs“When I design my pieces for ANOKHI, I always go for a look that is ahead of prevailing fashion trends, but still wearable. My outfits are designed keeping in mind a woman who embodies the idea of style and elegance, but in outfits that are individualistic but very, very stylish. My designs are somewhat understated and I do take a minimalistic approach but I never compromise on style. There’s use of monochromatic colours, creative draping and lots of interesting cuts to keep the outfits looking fresh and trendy. I don’t like to stick to the traditional idea of the shalwar kameez - it’s all about bending the rules and ANOKHI’s always been a frontrunner in that department. I’ve also always been a fan of well cut outfits - I try to find different, original ways to drape a kameez.”

On trends: setting them and breaking free from them“Eid trends are certainly moving towards more ponchos, capes, maxi outfits along with harem pants. However, as far as trends are concerned, ANOKHI has always been more about setting trends rather than following the crowds. I’m never one to follow what’s in style, rather, I’m someone that believes in shaking up the status quo to introduce trends through my designs. I remember doing jumpsuits a couple of years ago, many weren’t too sure about that style but a few years later, they’ve embraced the style.” The best part about being a designer“Everyday I wake up and I feel so motivated. I’m so excited about

creating something new. There are times when I wake up in the middle of the night and find myself sketching away. When I finally see my sketches turn into real silhouettes – that’s the best feeling and the absolute best part of being a designer. There really is nothing like pursuing a passion, something you feel so strongly about. Also, the fact that my designs are loved and appreciated, that they help people feel good about themselves, that feedback is so precious to me. It’s what keeps me going.”

On success: the secret ingredient“It has to be my constant quest for evolution and my need to always thinking of something new. Whatever I make has to be stylish and wearable as well. You can’t just make something for a specific photo shoot or for the runway. I make real clothes that are wearable. It has to be something that appeals to the masses. The trick is to remember that not only does it have to look attractive to the eyes, it also has to be comfortable to wear. Finally, you’ve got to be on the constant look out to learn and evolve, constantly.”

The Eid collection deciphered“My current collection is called the Rainbow Collection. It’s inspired by the monsoon season and the abundance of colours I see everywhere. You’ll find the a lot of vibrant, bright colours. The collection is all about colours: blue and emerald green - all the shades you’d see on a peacock.”

What to wear this Eid “From ANOKHI I would suggest a mix and match kind of cape. Since we no longer follow the traditional norms of only visiting family members, we can easily don a stylish cape over a casual outfit to give it a boost of both colour and effortless chic. Add to that the right accessories and you’ve got a

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Photo: Courtesy

game changing Eid outfit at hand.”

Self-inspired designs “I don’t think anyone or any prevailing trend or fad influences my tastes and neither do I feel that anyone in particular influences my tastes. Although I do find inspiration around me, at the day’s end my designs are all about my own individual take on those inspirations. If I had to put a finger on what inspires me – I would say sophistication does.”

Trends she detests“Personally, I’m not a fan of the short kameezes with shalwar style. I really think it looks very obnoxious on a woman. I think it doesn’t compliment a woman’s silhouette and neither does it look graceful at all.”

The highest points of success“There’s nothing more satisfying than when youngsters or fashionistas come and tell me they appreciate my designs. With 27 years in the industry, it really gives me so much joy and satisfaction to know that I have this place in peoples’ hearts.”

Pet peeves and paranoia“I am absolutely paranoid about ANOKHI. Completely obsessed. Many have the impression that I’m a laid back person who pursues fashion as a hobby but there can’t be anything further from the truth. I am extremely driven and my first priority has always been ANOKHI. When it comes to ANOKHI, I am extremely nit-picky and to great extent, a perfectionist.”

On designing for her dream client“If there’s one person I’d love to design for, it would most definitely be Aishwarya Rai. I’m also currently designing for Joya Ahsan, and that’s something I take great pride in.”

Taking Anokhi to new heights“More than anything else, what I want is to take ANOKHI to global heights, to represent the Bangladeshi fashion scene as what it’s got the potential to be – stylish, unique, one-of-it’s-kind and at par with any other country’s fashion scene. I want the world to acknowledge that our fashion industry really is stylistically innovative and technically exceptional. As for plans to grow, I do want to expand. It’s something that’s been on my mind for a while but what I’d really love is to design the masses, for our people.” n

eid reads | AUTOMOBILE

on January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied to the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin for the most significant patent

of the industrial age: a “motorised vehicle powered by a gas engine” - the initial idea behind all further automobile designs in the century that followed. 130 years later, on January 11, 2016, Mercedes-Benz launched the new E-Class, the car with the technological capability to revolutionise mobility all over again.

As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz continues to press forward with the development of mobility in all areas. The company’s expertise at both a technical and a conceptual level is underscored by more than 90,000 registered patents, together with a long list of innovations that were first introduced to the market in models from Mercedes; these range from engines to safety, comfort and design features. The absolute state of the art of automotive development in all these areas is reflected by the new E-Class.

The next stage of automotive evolutionThe new Mercedes-Benz E-Class thus marks the beginning of a new phase in automotive development: “For Mercedes, as the inventor of the automobile, it was always clear that the next great revolution in mobility would be the self-driving car,” notes Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Self-driving vehicles in the 21st centuryWith the new E-Class now going into production, Mercedes-Benz is able to look back on a 30-year tradition of technology for self-driving cars. Although the first experimental vehicles with autonomous mobility functionality formed part of the Prometheus project as far back as the late 1980s.

The automobile of the futureThe new E-Class now transfers this technology to a standard-production passenger car, so securing mobile

autonomy as an established part of everyday life. This model series enjoys particular popularity as a business saloon and, over the decades since it was first introduced, has built up its standing as the mainstay of the company. The innovations found in the new E-Class define a new benchmark in terms of safety, stress relief, comfort and networked living, allowing Mercedes-Benz once again to underline its leadership position.

In this, the 130th year since Carl Benz invented the motor car, there is one thing about which Dr Dieter Zetsche is certain: “The best is still to come for the car sporting the three-pointed star. The Mercedes of the future will drive not only with zero emissions, but autonomously too. It will be even safer, even more luxurious and fully networked as well. A comfortable retreat for the journey between office and home – a place to work, communicate, relax and enjoy.”

Rancon Motors Limited is the only distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Bangladesh. n

Semi-autonomous The new E-Class

TRAVELWanderlust got you this holiday season? Say no more. We have your next perfect Eid vacation

all planned out for you. You’re welcome!

travel | EID GETAWAYS

Eid holidays are probably the most loved government holidays in Bangladesh. They are also, the only time when office goers

and students can take a break at the same time. This makes Eid the prime time for families to take a short vacation. The first name that pops up in mind when deciding where to go is almost always, Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok has been a favourite among Bangladeshis for a long time now, and with good reason.

Shopping heavenShopping in Bangkok is certainly one of the main attractions. Tourists can hardly resist the affordable prices. Chatuchak is a weekend market that is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. It offers a vast array of goods at the most affordable prices. It is known that just about anything can be bought from there, and that too at lower prices than what most places offer. When out on a weekend with the intention of shopping without burning a hole in the wallet, Chatuchak is where most people flock.

Khao San Road is another place that attracts a lot of customers. Various stores line the streets and prices are low enough for it to be

crowded at all times. Khao San Road also has the cheapest housing facilities so, while travelling on a tight budget, it is worth checking out. Apart from the affordable prices, what makes Khao San Road so popular is the mouth watering authentic Thai food that is available. Delicious food paired with traditional music blaring from the stores truly makes for a memorable experience.

Sight-seeing galoreThere are also plenty places to visit if one is looking to get a taste of Bangkok’s rich history and great architecture. The most notable among them is the Grand Palace. It is without a doubt Bangkok’s most famous landmark. The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings and houses the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha, alongside a few other famous buildings. Although mostly crowded, Grand Palace is still highly impressive and worth a visit.

The Temple of Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Golden Buddha are two other places one must visit to get a complete feel of the Thai traditions. Another main attraction in Bangkok is the spectacular Jim Thompson house. Tourists crowd to see the museum house of the late American entrepreneur and art collector, Jim

| Fariha Afroz


Khao San Road in Bangkok

Travel to Bangkok this EidTravel to Bangkok this Eid

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Thompson. And, whether familiar with Jim Thompson or not, the museum house will leave you awestruck.

However, if the shopping and history lessons do not pull you in, there is plenty more to do in Bangkok. If you are willing to spend a little, you can visit one of the largest aquariums in the world. Sea Life Bangkok is a sea life aficionada’s dream come true. Sea Life never fails to mesmerise. A ride in the river ferry can be another fun activity and easy on the wallet too. For a unique experience, tourists ride the Sky Train. But, be aware to avoid it during rush hour to avoid an unpleasant experience.

Foodie’s paradiseThai food is another main reason tourists like to visit Bangkok. A trip to Chinatown is mandatory when in search of soul pleasing street food. Satays, Thai style Sukiyaki and the sweet treat, Lod Chong Singapore are some of the must-haves. However, Sticky Rice with mango is the real crowd pleaser and everyone’s favourite. The street vendors also happen to have various fried insects on the menu. So, give it a try if you are feeling exceptionally daring. Most importantly, fill up with all the delicious food you can fit in.

To keep yourself from tiring after

a long day of exploring, massages are in order. Thankfully, Bangkok has the best massages at the lowest prices. Spas are also highly recommended. But, the most famous are the foot massages in Khao San Road so, be sure to check them out. If, somehow, in the mood of taking up a four day learner’s boxing course, Bangkok offers that too. You can find just about anything in Bangkok and every trip will have something new and exciting to offer.

Travel agencies are keeping up with the high demand for Eid and have introduced affordable packages to cater to everyone’s needs. Travel.Booking.BD has some great Eid exclusive packages. Visiting Bangkok for two nights and three days will now cost you only Tk32,500 per person. If you want to visit Pattaya alongside Bangkok, that can be arranged too at a starting price of Tk38,000 per person for four nights and five days. Another four nights, five days package includes Phuket and Bangkok at a starting price of Tk49,000 per person.

So this Eid, treat yourself and take an eventful trip to Bangkok and enjoy all that it has to offer. n

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

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Be it the Pink City of Rajasthan or lunch with parrots in the Jurong Bird Park of Singapore, nothing compares to a thrilling

getaway to Vietnam, a hub of cultural diversity, architectural and natural wonders. Imagine being surrounded by all possible shades of green, ancient pagodas, or colourful market places with the most mouthwatering street food, or passing by spooky caves on water. Sounds tempting? Make the most of this Eid vacation and brace yourself for the adventure of a lifetime.

Hanoi, the prosperous capital city, will be the perfect destination to begin this exhilarating adventure. Be sure to arrange for a morning city tour with Vietnamese meal. At the top of your sight-seeing list should be the One Pillar Pagoda. Its wooden lotus-blossom structure, a Buddhist symbol of purity, stands gracefully on one single stone pillar on a pond, as if admiring its ancient reflection on the green water surface.

Next up is the Temple of Literature which is home to many steles of carved blue stone turtles and statues of Confucius and his disciples. Help

yourself to some interesting miniatures at the souvenirs store.

Moving on to the Hoan Kiem Lake, the most scenic spot in the city. Nothing can be more satisfying than enjoying a bowl of pho (authentic Vietnamese beef noodles), while taking in the serenity of lake with the magnificent Turtle Tower protruding in the centre.

For the shutterbugs, drop everything and get some snaps of the charming streets of Honai. These clicks will echo the cacophony of the busy market place and aura of the revered temples for years to come.

If you want something cool to show off about and make your friends jealous, Mai-Chau rock climbing adventure is the thing for you. Go to the climbing territory of Mai-Chau, hire a professional rock climbing guide and summon all your body strength. The view from above of the rice fields, gorgeous valleys and stilt houses is magical.

Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon, will be your next stop. This is the most happening place in Vietnam (that’s debatable though). Taking out the sight-seeing list again, The Reunification Palace is your first

| Noor-E-Shahrin

Eid escapade to VietnamA Cruise Ship In Halong Bay

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destination. Its main attraction is its majestic architecture surrounded by royal palm trees.

Then stop by the Jade Emperor Pagoda and pay the exquisite statues of phantasmal divinities a visit. The Fine Arts Museum will take your breath away, if you take an interest in art history. The yellow-white building itself will mesmerise you and the art inspired by war will leave you awe-struck.

If you consider yourself a foodie, you better not miss this chance to taste the exotic and mouthwatering street food of Saigon. The taste doesn’t come only from the dish, but also from their history and the customs during meals.

And what is vacation without some adrenaline rush! You must try cyclo-riding during the rush-hours. These vehicles have two front wheels

and one back wheel, kind of like a rickshaw, except for the driver sits behind the passenger.

Saigon is a piece of paradise for shopaholics. L’Usine has a spectacular line of stylish clothes and stunning bags. Saigon Kitsch is the perfect place for buying coffee mugs and T-Shirts to bring back to your family as souvenirs.

Halong Bay is a traveller’s first choice for going on a cruise. Kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves are only some of the fun activities that most cruise offer. The ship passes by floating villages where local fishermen live. But really, the things that you wouldn’t want to miss for the world are the fresh sunrise, the romantic sunset and the night-sky with a thousand night-lights. And you think to yourself, what a wonderful world.

These are only some of the exciting

possibilities in a vacation in Vietnam. If Vietnam calls out to you and you want to see, taste, smell, touch and experience Vietnam, Travel Booking BD has three awesome Eid exclusive packages for you. The first package is for two nights and three days, with a starting price of Tk49,000 per person, covering Hanoi and Halong Bay. The second package is for three nights and four days, with a starting price of Tk62,000 per person, covering Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh City. The last Package is for four nights and five days, covering the same destinations as the second package, with a starting price of Tk66,000 per person. All packages come with a full day Halong Bay Cruise and hotel accommodations with breakfast. So ladies and gentlemen, make this vacation count and enjoy all that Vietnam has to offer. n

Ho Chi Minh’s Residence

The Turtle Tower on Hoan Kiem lake75

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Escape into ParadiseStop hustling, start packingHave your eyes grown weary of staring at dust-covered trees and motionless vehicles through your car window as you contemplate whether you will be able reach home on time for iftar? Want to escape your quotidian life in the concrete jungle you call home? If your answers to both questions is “yes”, the simple solution to your problem is a vacation and what better way to kick-start your Eid holidays than with a getaway to one of the world’s top tourist destinations?

Malaysia is ranked 11th in the world and 2nd in Southeast Asia for tourist arrivals. The Southeast Asian country with its intriguing varied ecosystems of rainforest jungles, tropical beaches, rich variety of indigenous flora and fauna and diverse wildlife compels you to turn off your notifications for the rest of the trip and be enthralled by its awe-inspiring nature. Everything from its people to architecture and intricate cuisine reflect a colourful heritage and an amalgamated culture. The serenity preached by the Malay culture provides you with the

opportunity to spiritually heal yourself, tune out all your worldy worries and enter a state of pure bliss and tranquillity.

All this sounds very appealing but on a more pragmatic note is it really worth the buck? For those of you unwilling to pay a great deal for a few days of adventure and relaxation, various tour companies have come out with exciting package deals that you will not be able to turn down! Some of which along with their details are as follows:

travel | GUIDE

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Kuala Lumpur – Langkawi 5 night/ 6 days tour package (July 5-10)

Package price : BDT 60,500/- per person twin/triple basis

The Package includes:Return air ticket with all taxes by Malindo Air

Langkawi 02: Bella Vista Resort & Spa in deluxe garden view room with ABF July 5-7

Kuala Lumpur 03 night: Sentral Pudu in superior room with ABF July 7-10.

Standard check in time after 1400 hrs and check out time 1200 hrs Air port transfer (LGK APT– LGK HOTEL – LGK APT), (KLIA – KUL HOTEL – KLIA) by coach with English guide. Half day Round Island Tour with Under Water ticket on arrival day July 5. Half day Island Hopping Tour on July 6. Full day Genting Highland Tour with Snow World on July 8. Half day Kuala Lumpur city tour on July 9. Putrajaya Orientation Tour on

the last day and drop at Airport on July 10.

Hotel Name: Langkawi : Bella Visa Resort & Spa Kuala Lumpur : Sentral PuduExcluded: Visa Fee BDT 4,000 per person lunch and dinner tips personal cost

Travel Agency: Amazing Tours BangladeshAddress: 225/1, New Elephant Road, 3rd floor, Opposite Padma Petrol Pump, Dhaka-1205E-mail: [email protected] Contact info. : 01971464084, 01972464084, 01973464084, 01974464084, 01975464084, 01614222312, 01614222313, 01614222314, 01614222315, 01976464084.

For further information and details regarding the tentative program of this package please visit their website: www.amazingtoursbd.com

Travel Agency : Tour.com.bdEid Dhamakka Package Malaysia Package (Kuala Lumpur) – 2 nights/ 3 days

Package Price: BDT 35,999 (per person) Booking hotline: 01811480832, 01811480833

Package includes: Return Air ticket 2 nights’ accommodation at 3* hotel with breakfast Half day Kuala Lumpur city tour All transport on SIC

Hotel Name: Coronna Inn (3*) Grand Continental (3*)

Package excludes: Visa Fee BDT 4,000 per person**Additional night: BDT 5,000

Address: Arma Majeda Malik Tower, 3rd Floor, Holding No. – KHA-215, Progati Saroni Road, Merul Badda, Dhaka-1212E-mail: [email protected] info. : 01811480832, 01811480833Visit their website: www.tour.com.bd

If possible, please do try to visit the following places on your own. That is, if these places have not already been included in your tour of Kuala Lumpur.

The Petronas Twin Towers: This is an iconic landmark. The sleek structure stands at 88 storeys high, joined by a double-decker Sky Bridge that offers an exhilarating view of Kuala Lumpur city centre and beyond. At the foot of the towers is Suria KLCC Shopping Mall which hosts the massive Aquaria KLCC and a short walk away is KLCC Park.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park: Water slides that whirl and twirl, a manmade ‘river’ ride, surf beach, wave pool and 360 degree revolving pirate ship - the list of attractions at this Theme Park is extensive.

Chinatown : This is a well known bargain hunter’s paradise that seemingly never sleeps and also showcases the Oriental culture, heritage and history.Batu Caves: This is a 400 million-year old limestone hill (with a 100 year old temple incorporated within it).

Jalan Alor: It is called the cultural heart of the city’s local cuisine. n

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travel | BANGLADESH

Historical places of Bangladesh

Ahsan ManzilKnown as the Pink Palace, Ahsan Manzil is situated in the midst of old town, just beside the bank of Buriganga River. The magnificent architecture was the first thing that attracted me to the palace; its rich history is what kept me intrigued. It reflects the lavish lifestyle of the Nawab dynasty, and portrays the economical circumstances it experienced in its earlier life as a trading house for the French. Later on, it became the residence of Khwaja Abdullah after the English-French war in the 18th century. New additions to the old building and renovations has made this beautiful monument into ever popular pink palace it is today.

A huge green lawn welcomed us as we entered the premises and the smell of the old, creaking house enthralled us as to how something so ancient could remain so alive. Everything from the utensils to armours to sofas and beds were put on display Reading through the small notes under each item, I thought to myself: at which point did I begin to appreciate history? Apparently, right then.

| Sadia Alam

Panam CityNext stop on my list was the ancient capital of Sonargaon, Panam City. It thrived as the major inland port and center of commerce in the pre-Islam period. Governed by the Danujamadava Dasharathadeva, the Hindu ruler shifted his capital from Bikrampur during the 13th century. Most of the existing remains of the city represented residential buildings made by Hindu merchants; European-inspired colonial design demanding admiration. Even after the Muslim invasion, the city was said to have been developed into a commercial metropolis. After the capital was moved to Jahangirnagar in Dhaka to avoid the city’s location becoming too exposed, the fame for the legendary muslin fabric remained undiminished till foreign competition ruined their trade and left the city to oblivion.

BandarbanThe rich ethnicity and culture Bangladesh has can only be truly understood if you’ve been to this Bandarban. If thrill and magic of the hill tracts are your idea of a blissful getaway, there is no better place than this small town.

The presence of numerous tribes and flamboyant cultures make the spot even more of a learning occasion, and you can even hike to those villages. For people like myself, the lively lifestyle was an uncharted experience.

One of the tallest peaks and

arguably the most beautiful spot is Nilgiri, which is situated at Thanci Thana. To begin with, scenic locations are infinite. The Buddha Dhatu Jadi in Balghata town attracts Theravada Buddhism followers and pilgrims from all over the world. The Boga Lake area shall redefine your understanding of serenity, while the Jadipai Waterfall was the cherry on top.

MainamatiHome to one of the most important Buddhist archaeological sites in Bangladesh, Mainamati dates back to the 12th century and is named after the Chandra queen Mainamati. Shalban Vihara, found in the middle of the Mainamati Lalmai hill range, consists of 115 cells with a cruciform temple in the middle of the structure, resembling the Paharpur Monastery.

The educational and religious establishment of the Viharas were definitely the largest among the Mainamati monuments. Unfortunately, military establishments near that area damaged the central shrine, which is a pity given the fact that it could have been an emergent tourist spot. The serenity this place has to offer is beyond comparable.

The tourist spots within our country are just as fascinating as the ones we always hear of in other countries, if not better. If you wish to have Bangladesh unlocked, these areas are a must to visit. n

Contact Tiger Tours Ltd or visit www.tigertoursbd.com for package details. 78

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Pride FashionMirpur, 1216 Dhaka, BangladeshPhone: +8801846-598900

AarongAarong Centre, 346, Tejgaon Industrial Area, 1208 Dhaka, Bangladesh, Phone: 02-8891404

AndeemHouse 66, Road 10, Block D, Banani, Dhaka, 1213 Tel: +8801712-288225

ndex

Anokhi by Humaira KhanHouse 3, Road 112Gulshan, DhakaPhone: +880182 311 2081

MayasirGulshan - Rd :127.House:76.Gulshan Avenue , Dhanmondi -Plaza AR. Rd:14. Mirpur Rd, Phone: Gulshan: +88029890533, Dhanmondi: +8801679042573

Wood and PeckerHouse-8, Road-27, Block-K, Banani, Dhaka.

Sarah KarimHouse 14A, Road 57, Gulshan 2Dhaka, Bangladesh

AnjansKhan Villa 34B , Malibagh Chowdhurypara, 1219 Dhaka, BangladeshPhone:+88028357754, +88029362019

Mumu Maria1st Floor,House 36, Road 12, Block E, Banani, Dhaka 1213Tel:+8801865032222+8801865032223

Benarasi Big BazarHouse 18, Road 3, Block A,Section 10, Mirpur, Dhaka

MenkaOnline Shop, 1206 Dhaka, Bangladesh

NoirBanani: House 72, Block D, Road 11Dhanmondi: ZR Plaza, Old 9/A, Satmasjid RoadNew Bailey Road: House 8, Nasrin Villa

Sahar RahmanHouse 11/A, Road 68Gulshan 2.Dhaka, BansladeshPhone: +8801928-111555

Arannya1st Floor,6oE Kemal,Ataturk avenueDhaka,BangladeshPhone: 029894303

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