28_

Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, November 22, 2014 | Volume 2, Issue 28

Lights, colours

party!

Contents

AvenueT inside...

5

Get your motor running

Editor’s note 8

Like old times

Editor

Zafar Sobhan

Executive Editor

Shahriar Karim

Managing Editor

Jahangir Hyder

Magazine Editor

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Asst Magazine Editor

Mahmood Hossain

12

The right kind of Rang

Avenue T team

16

Oh Kolkata!

Khan N Moushumi N Anita Amreen Sabah Rahman Tausif Sanzum Sabiha Akond Rupa

Contributors

Agony Aunt Tahsin Momin Nushrat Naureen Baizid Haque Joarder Adila Hoque

Photography

Rezowana Chowdhury Xenia

Graphics

Alamgir Hossain Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialist

2 TUNED Dapper denim 3 TRY OUT Floral fancy 4 TECH Better safe than sorry 5 WHEELS 3 pleasant rides 7 TELL Haunted by the ex 8 TUCKED IN A homely holud 9 HEALTH Eating right for the bride 10 TRIAL ROOM Yellow nostalgia

12 TRENDING Step up your style game 13 HIS STYLE Winter woes 14 TEMPT The others 15 TICKET Hot herbs 16 TRAVELOGUE Kolkata calling 18 TANTALISE Snack attack 20 NEWS

Dear Readers, Dear Readers, As we swing firmly into the wedding season, you can see the city wake up to the music and colours of the ceremonies. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of any wedding is the event that precedes the actual ceremony. For some it is the gaye holud, for others a sangeet, and yet others call it a mehendi night. However you plan the party, this event is definitely the one where both families let their hair down and get to know each other better through food, fun, and merrymaking.

To help you get your party basics right, we have DIY floral jewellery for the brides in Try Out, alternatives to turmeric for the allergic in Tempt, and winter wear for men in Tailored.

In Tucked in, we get ready for gaye holud at home, while in Trial Room, we look at entertainment options, both the contemporary and the traditional. Finally, for those hopping on a plane to do the trousseau shopping we have the Kolkata shopping guide in Travelogue.

It’s yellow fever of the best kind at Avenue T this week, and you’re invited to join the fun.

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Editor, Avenue T

Shekhar Mondal

Production

Masum Billah

Advertising

Shahidan Khurshed

Circulation

Masud Kabir Pavel

Contact us

10

A nod to days gone by

avenuet@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com

This week Forget the other ceremonies, the gaye holud is where the par ty is at. So put on your dancing shoes and paint the town yellow Photo: Rezowana Chowdhury Xenia

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2 | Tuned event

Bangladesh’s first

Denim Expo November 22

TEDxDhaka 2014 ‘Breaking Barriers’ Venue: Krishibid Institution of Bangladesh

Counterfoto Anniversary Venue: Counterfoto Uttara Campus

Screening of “The Singing Teacher” Venue: EMK Centre

November 20-22

Hay Festival Venue: Bangla Academy

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, Nove m b er 22, 201 4

On November 11 Bangladesh put together the first ever International Denim Expo joining hands with world leaders in the denim trade.

Held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel’s Grand Ballroom and Utshab Banquet Hall, 50 exhibitors from over 14 countries participated.

The honourable commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, member of parliament was the chief guest at the event’s inauguration ceremony. His Excellency Gerben de Jong, ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands, and Md Atiqul Islam, president of BGMEA, were also there as special guests at the ceremony that took place for two days from November 11 to November 12.

Try Out |

3

diy

Beaded

bride

You’ll need: • • • • • • • •

Dry flowers of your choice Pearl/ beaded chains Balls/beads Glue gun Scissors Cotton thread Hard paper Earring hooks

Directions:

Soon to be brides adorned in DIY jewellery

| Nushrat Naureen While the sari and make-up for your holud are highly crucial, floral jewellery is equally essential. These DIY jewellery items will look picture perfect on the day you paint the town yellow.

Head piece:

• Hang a big ball/bead with a cotton thread • Cut out a circle from the hard paper that can be used as the base of the flower that you’ll use for your head piece • With the help of a glue gun, stick the pearl/beaded chains and the ball on the edge of the paper cut out • Stick the flower on the base – in the centre of the paper • Your headpiece is ready

Earrings:

• Hang a big ball/bead with a cotton thread • Cut out another circle from the hard paper • Using a glue gun, stick the earring hook and the beaded chains on the paper • Stick the flower in the middle • Voila! Your earrings are ready

Necklace:

• Using thread, hang the big ball/bead • Cut out another paper circle • Stick the ball and pearl/beaded chains on the hard paper using a glue gun • Stick the flower in the centre • Your neck piece is ready

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, N ovemb er 22, 20 1 4

4 | Tech Troubleshoot

iOS 8 safety | Mahmood Hossain

gadgets

Those darn phablets

It’s all about that fourth generation Note

| Mahmood Hossain

You simply cannot get enough of these safety and security tips. Your device or data being stolen is no guarantee, but you can never be too safe. Here are some steps to take in order to keep your device safe.

• There are many apps that use the location tracking info ability in the background, while you’re using your phone. Now, there are certain apps that require you to use your location so it’s wise to simply limit the other apps to data you actually want to share. For better privacy, all you have to do is to choose “Don’t Allow” when it asks for your location information.

• Location is one thing, on the other side you have apps that will ask for permission to upload your personal info on the Internet.

Some of the apps you download will upload your contacts’ details, which can cause issues with privacy. Head to Settings >Privacy and check off all the apps you rather not share your contacts with.

• Enable Find My iPhone, this should be a given. It’s a basic security measure for whenever you misplace or lose your iPhone or iPad. Get to Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone (or iPad) and turn this setting on by entering your device’s password. The feature can go further if you select Send Last Location, which will upload the device’s last location when the battery runs down to 1% through the Apple servers.

• Conversations can get really personal and it would be a disaster if it got out in public. To prevent this, go to settings and have both text and voice messages set to an expiry date. By switching from saving your messages forever, the device will automatically delete the message at a given time of your choice. You can change this up by heading to Settings > Messages.

• Saved the best for last. Settings > Privacy > Advertising and enable Limit Ad Tracking. Oh yeah, we all hate this headache.

Share your troubleshooting problems, write to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, Nove m b er 22, 201 4

Samsung’s latest Galaxy Note 4 has entered our market, continuing the battle in the smartphone arena.

However, technically, the Note 4 is what we like to call in the tech world a phablet - a hybrid between a smartphone and a tablet. Some of you are no stranger to this particular species. But at Tk80,000 is it really worth the purchase? You can get a darn good laptop with fantastic specs for that price. Right? Of course you can!

Design

The facts are the facts. The Galaxy Note 4 is the best Android phablet with a pen. That’s right, its stylus has taken centre stage, alongside the impressive specs.

But the phone’s look itself is a tad different from what you are used to when it comes to Samsung.

Many times before we’ve criticised the brand’s lacklustre designs.

Well, the Note 4 has taken a page from the recent Galaxy Alpha. Its metallic rim over plastic definitely gives sharp contrasts and boasts the premium look. The device is

actually comfortable to hold onto.

While it may not be as sexy as other phones like the HTC One M8 metal contouring and finishes or have the modern edges and details like the Xperia Z3, it’s still a wonderful looking device.

Features

So what exactly does this 5.7-inch display of a phone have to offer?

For one, it has a 2650x1440p quad HD AMOLED display, which pushes the pixel density to 515ppi. Even though it falls slightly short compared to the LG G3 and Xperia Z, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. It comes with the KitKat 4.4.4 behind the TouchWiz layer from Samsung. No other phablet comes with a stylus, like the S-Pen, which works so well with the Note’s UI. All of which is powered by a 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 and 3GB of RAM. You’ve got plenty of internal storage with a base of 32GB, and the memory is always expandable through a microSD

card. And let’s not forget a boasting 16-megapixel rear camera, partnered up with a 3.7-megapixel front camera. Don’t worry about running out of juice either, as it comes with a 3,220mAh battery that can last you an entire day of regular use.

apps

Cinematography and health Here’s to creating videos and staying healthy

| Mahmood Hossain Replay

Replay for your iOS device is possibly the most beautiful video editing app we’ve seen to date. Depending on your recorded footage, the first few steps in using the UI looks a lot like a modern, sleek gallery with eye catching colours. While it’s a fantastic app to have on your iPhone, it looks even better on the iPad. You can choose from different styles like turning your footage into a silent movie or keeping things modern by minimal changes in the editing process. You can choose your personal soundtrack to the video as well that can be synchronised to the beat of the music. In addition, there’s even motion graphics. Keep in mind, this is an app for the on-thego folks who like to get creative with short videos they’d like to share with the rest of the world. Ultimately, this

app can be used from the novice to the professionals alike.

Google Fit

Android now has a legitimate competitor in the getting fit category when it comes to fitness apps for mobile devices.

This app is to push you to become more active, aware and motivated.

Well, that’s really down to you and how far you push yourself. Google Fit assists you while you carry your phone during walking, running, or cycling. You can set goals, keep updated with steps, and receive performance-based reports and recommendations in a given activity. The app also lets users

connect to third party devices and apps so you have all your fitness data in one place. Google Fit is available for all Android devices and free to download so don’t feel left out.

Tires | wheels

5

Road rage

heavyweights With the riding season winding down in some parts of the country, here are top three 150cc motorcycles that will make your ride pleasant

| Tahsin Momin

Available at:

Great Wall Motors 204/A, Gulshan Tejgaon Link Road, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh Phone: 01841-448800 01841-448801

Honda CBR 150R

Bajaj Pulsar

Bajaj Pulsar 150cc DTS-i has always been the darling of bike lovers. Good looks, affordable pricing and a decent fuel economy have made the Pulsar a heartthrob for the motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages. The bike has its style and distinctive appeal and features aerodynamic tank flaps and newly refined razor sharp tail; it’s even aggressively masked with wolf eyed headlamps for great day night visibility.

At the heart of the bike is a 149cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, air cooled engine that rewards you with a maximum power output of 15HP at 9000rpm and 12.5Nm of torque at 6500rpm. The engine is combined with Digital CDI unit and twin spark ignitions which assure optimum ignition timing for any engine rpm resulting in better throttle response and reduced emissions.

The four shades of Pulsar - the plasma blue, misty grey silver, wine red, and midnight black, are sure to turn heads when taken out for a spin.

Yamaha Fazer FZ-S

Yahama FZ S is one of the most muscular 150cc bikes in the market till date. It certainly looks appealing due to its naked styling and the edges that make it look all the more sporty.

The headlamps and the midship muffler, give the FZ-S an aggressive look. And the latest addition to the FZ-S is its choices of colour - tempest blue, fearless black, glory gold, and raging red. The colour scheme and the masculinity of the bike make it look extremely sporty. In recent updates, Yamaha gave the bike new body graphics, kick-start, bigger rear fender, wider and longer rear seat and new rear grab rails.

Powering the Yamaha FZ-S is a 153cc singlecylinder four-stroke engine with a maximum power output of 14HP at 7500rpm and the torque delivered is 13.6Nm at 6000rpm The FZ-S is a performance oriented bike and it delivers quick throttle response and smooth gear-shifts.

Honda CBR150R is nothing short of a perfect sport-touring bike. The power of its 149cc double overhead camshafts engine is delivered to the rear wheels with a rating of 18.5HP at 10500rpm and 13.5Nm of torque at 8500rpm.

The CBR 150R features the advanced PGM-FI technology which makes the bike more responsive and it can quickly adapt to the changing conditions. It has disc brakes at the front and the rear and monosuspension. It also features an advance O2 sensor and air inductor to reduce the emissions.

The Honda CBR150R is one of the most sought after bikes in the market.

It is packed with an array of latest features that ensure good handling.

The CBR 150R is extremely youthful and sporty. This menacing bike will only entertain your craving for power and style.

Photo: Big Stock

Jumbo problems

| Tausif Sanzum On the streets of Mohammadpur, you can often see an elephant walking. At first glance, you might think that the elephant is part of a rally or something. However, if you are lucky you might end up seeing a rare spectacle - an elephant’s trunk randomly enters a shop and comes out with money.

So what exactly is this humongous beast doing on the streets? Don’t blame it on them (PETA might just blast you). The trainers and owners just use them to collect “donation.”

This is one of the latest additions to the long list of techniques employed to extort money from the less weary. You might say that this technique of using elephants is the work of street side hoodlums but wait till you read the next part of how the rich and the powerful destroy the harmony on the streets that can cause severe traffic jams.

Since the wedding season is already knocking at the doors, you will get to see grooms arriving on elephants to attend their wedding functions. Along with the bachelorhood of the groom, the movement of cars also comes to an abrupt halt.

A lot of questions can be raised regarding these two possessions.

What are the authorities doing when goons use elephants to extract money? Who gives people the permission to ride on elephants on a VIP road where even rickshaws are not allowed? And most importantly, who ensures the safety of these animals?

Got a peeve to share about the state of the city’s roads and traffic? Sends it to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com, or post it on our Facebook wall.

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6 | Tell letters to Mars

Bringing back the romance Q A I think I am falling out of love with my wife. We were married a few years ago and everything has been all nice and cheery all this time. We found out we’re opening our home to a new member just a month or two ago, and although it gives me great pleasure to know I’m going to be a dad, I can’t help but feel a little suffocated by all this. I know it might just be a phase and it will eventually pass, but I cannot begin to describe how badly it is affecting me. What should I do?

Write us your problems and send them to agony.aunt@dhakatribune.com

It is no consolation my dear, but you would be surprised at how many fathers-tobe feel like you. Suddenly becoming a “dad!” Dads are responsible people, providers, disciplinarians, they know it all. You are about to become one of them. Your wife’s hips are getting larger, okay they will get smaller again. You will see that once that little bundle is put in your arms all this will disappear. Give love, affection and attention to your wife now, it is a good investment that will give marvellous results. I can’t help but wonder if you are one of those men who flirt with other women on

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and see her clients

issues

Breach of privacy | Avenue T desk

Q

I live with my husband and in-laws and I have a son. My sister in law is married but for some reason she finds the need to come over to our house every single day. While I don’t mind that, what really bothers me is how she breaches our privacy. She brings her children over and just loiters around all day. I find this suffocating as she even makes her children’s tutor come to our place.

She sets their play-dates at our house.

It’s a daily issue and I am tired of it. As a married woman why can’t she just spend more time with her family? Or just visit us during weekends? I feel like I have no privacy and don’t want to discuss this with my husband as he might think I am trying to tear the family apart. What’s the best way to deal with the situation?

A

Clearly this seems like a sticky situation. How do your husband and your in-laws feel about her coming over every day? Have you tried lightly broaching the topic with your husband to find out his views? If not, I think you should see where he stands and what he thinks about this. Maybe you two can try to find privacy in your room, or politely discuss this with your husband and lovingly explain to him how you’d like to spend more time in private with your child and him. Discuss this with him before the problem festers and builds resentment in you.

Aries (MAR 21-APR 19)

You may be fooled into thinking you have to rush things, but you really don’t. Slow and steady wins the race. Keep your calm and ease your way into any recent venture.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20)

You might find yourself at crossroads this time of the month.

Choose carefully; your choices will have serious impacts on a lot of important things in the recent future.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20)

You will probably find yourself feeling surprised at all the different activities that will be flooding your schedule this week. Get used to it.

Go with the flow. You’re headed somewhere good.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)

It is quite possible that you’re feeling a strong desire to be somewhere right now. Be patient; everything will come to you when the time is right. Don’t rush.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)

New friends are peeking over your horizon. People you never thought you might be friends with might end up being your partners in crime.

Remember to keep an open mind.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)

After the hectic week that you’ve had, you need some alone time to calm yourself. Go off the grid for maybe a day or two to recharge you’ve earned it.

Photo: Big Stock

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, Nove m b er 22, 201 4

the internet. If so, stop it; your real relationship is with your wife. You do not need to be admired by women who flirt just about with everyone. Flirt with your wife!

Photo: Big Stock

| Agony Aunt

Horoscope

oroscope

Tell |

7

letters to Venus

Ghost of girlfriends past Q A | Avenue T desk

My boyfriend and I have been together for eight months now and I can sense a lot of budding insecurities in him. He’s 32 and I am 28, we both work at the same company and spend almost every day together. However, the moment the weekend arrives, or I’m away at client calls he always has trust issues. His last girlfriend cheated on him thrice during their three year long relationship because of which he thinks every woman is probably the same. He’s always flipping out at the smallest of things - a late reply to a text, answering the phone a minute late, etc. I see his point of view but I don’t want us to continue like this forever. Help!

First and foremost, please take some time to realise that the situation you have explained is because of his drawbacks - not yours. From what I hear you haven’t done anything to make him feel insecure. You can try all you want to constantly calm his insecurities and dole out an extra dose of love but remember that eventually if HE doesn’t deal with these issues himself, they will keep coming back to haunt your relationship, perhaps even making it bitter in the long run. Be firm with him and tell him he needs to learn to trust you and deal with his insecurities or this will not work. Stick to your word

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22)

Remember that sometimes it’s okay to philosophise important issues in life. Just make sure you’re not digging up another hole for yourself with those philosophies. Leave all your sorrows behind.

if you truly want a relationship that is fulfilling and full of love.

Write us your problems and send them to agony.aunt@dhakatribune.com

Photo: Big Stock

tact

The dala dilemma A basic breakdown of what’s in the goody basket

| Khan N Moushumi

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)

Covering the basics: If you do decide to send dalas to the in-laws, just a few basics would do. Saris, shoes, bags for the bride and panjabis, nagras/shoes for the groom along with sweetmeats are often some of the key items that make it to the goody basket.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)

Going all out: Some would find it obligatory to add suits, ties, perfumes, watches, wallets, toiletries, cosmetics, briefs, lingerie and whatnot in the dalas but what may seem necessary to one person might be a luxury to another. There are a few dads who would pack an entire SUV in a dala if they could. It really depends on individual preference and affordability.

A little self-doubt is a good thing, but don’t take it to a point where it interferes with your self-confidence.

Know that you were born to accomplish great things, and you will get there.

If you’ve been feeling a little off with your loved ones, this is a good time to mend your bonds. Take a day off work and maybe cook them their favourite dishes.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)

If you’ve been considering any kind of investment in the last few days, this is the perfect time for you to jump in. Take risks; they will pay off.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19)

Someone near and dear to you needs help. Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile to help them out in any way possible. Your efforts will not go unappreciated or unrewarded.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

You’ll come to realise answers to questions that have been gnawing at the back of your head for quite a while. Even if those answers are not what you’ve been expecting, don’t let it kill your mood. This is a happy week.

Dalas have become an essential part of the holud ceremony but how many dalas should be exchanged between the bride and groom? Customarily it used to be the bride and her family who would pick up the entire tab of sending dalas but over the years, the beaus have started to chip in as well.

You can’t bet on any number of dalas that may be considered as standard.

What’s too many for one family may be too little for another - it’s all subjective. Hence, the smartest move would be to sketch it out with the future in-laws during planning the wedding.

The misconception: Now there are a lot of people who are under the impression that it’s mandatory to swap dalas during gaye holud. It’s NOT! These goody baskets are merely a form of gifts that are just a token of appreciation. There should be no expectation from either side and definitely no disappointment.

Murubbi-ana: A customary practice, gifts for the elders and relatives often make it to the list. A suit for the brother in-law or a sari for the mami shashuri doesn’t hurt.

Brand slave: A marriage is a divine bond, not a competition to flaunt who can afford more expensive, branded gifts. And let’s get real – there’s a lot more to take care of during a wedding than to beat oneself up over holud dalas that you may want to go low-key on, given the fact that the big day is yet to come. It really is the thought that counts people.

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8 | tucked In Digs & Finds

Flower

power Exclusive floral arrangements from SYGMAZ

host

All yellow Hosting your holud at home

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Floral jewellery

Bouquet

Boutonniere and corsage

Corsage

Photos: www.facebook.com/sygmazbd

Showroom:

57Gulshan Avenue Gulshan-1, Dhaka 1212 01926684779

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, Nove m b er 22, 201 4

Sometimes, budget, time and venue constraints make it more reasonable to just host the holud at home. That’s what our parents and grandparents used to do anyway, and it makes for a more intimate, relaxed event.

Getting started Formal venues come equipped to deal with events; most homes don’t. Apartment buildings require additional planning. First thing to do would be to inform the other apartment residents about the event, and arrange for the appropriate parking/security alternatives. Next, you need to take stock of the space to decide how many guests you can comfortably accommodate. Bear in mind, you will need to allocate space to store the food/cutlery, and also hand-washing facilities.

How close is the nearest usable washroom? Wedding décor demands lighting, and a lot of your lighting arrangements will also be influenced by where your electric outlets are located.

Seating arrangements Again, the size of your space will determine your seating arrangement.

You can have a few tables for a sit-down dinner if your guest list is modest; a bigger party might require buffet tables and row seating instead. Remember to save space for the bridal dais, and a little for the entertainment, whatever it may be.

While winter reduces the pressure to arrange for fans to keep your guests cool, it also comes with a generous helping of mosquitoes, so find strategic locations where you can place your mosquito coils.

Going traditional You could go with the fabric “pandels” that everyone does, or harken back to the olden days of marigold and banana leaf decorations, old-fashioned alpona on the ground, and diyas and clay pottery at the entrance to welcome the guests. Spice it up, if space permits, by investing in a pitha/paan/ candyfloss corner.

Playtime Although people do bring in DJ’s and sound systems for their rooftop do’s, it’s never as pleasant an experience for the neighbours.

Consider live music without the speakers, be it home-grown parody sessions, or hired qawwali groups.

Holud ceremonies even a decade or so ago had the whole family come together and take responsibility for entertaining their guests, via little conversation circles, friendly competition and games. If your family is large enough and young enough at heart, you could perhaps revive that tradition.

A word of caution One last thing to be careful about is to have someone keep an eye on the traffic coming in and out of your home. Lock up your valuables and keep a tight hand on the key, as the tides of strangers coming and going from your flat/house makes it an ideal situation for theft, or worse.

Take care | health

DIET

Yellow fever

The bridal

Embracing one of nature’s wonders

9

diet

Pre-wedding beauty ritual

| Adila Hoque

| Sabah Rahman

As the countdown to the big day begins, you must be getting all tingly and nervous. Even though you’re pretty much helpless when it comes to dealing with the stress, try to keep it at bay so it doesn’t clog pores and fruit more acne on that beautiful face of yours.

Speaking of faces, girls want to look their best on their weddings but quite often wind up looking like a mess owing to the prewedding functions and endless shopping sprees.

Follow these few simple tips and get that glowing, spot-free skin within weeks: There is hardly anyone in our country that isn’t familiar with turmeric. What would a curry be without it? The yellow spice reigns supreme in all our kitchens and is used in most local dishes to add colour and a hint of flavour. Curries aside, the good news is that turmeric has a host of benefits when it comes to health issues. Let’s explore why many call this one the “wonder spice.”

Calm that belly

The idea of using turmeric for stomach problems used to be thought of as an old wives’ tale but it actually has medical science backing it up. Whether you’re suffering from indigestion or an upset stomach, the ingestion of turmeric can really help.

The anti-inflammatory properties soothe acidic pains and ulcers and balance out your digestive system.

doctor ordered. Brew a teaspoon of freshly grated turmeric in water and sip on this potion daily. It may not appeal to your taste, but a healthy liver is imperative to a healthy you.

Burn, baby, burn

Curcumin, the active element in this wonder spice that is beneficial for the liver can also help boost sluggish metabolism and burn fat. Many studies have shown that turmeric actually has a hand in breaking down unhealthy fats. The amount we use in cooking may not be enough to obtain optimum results so consult your physician and see if curcumin supplements are right for you.

Skin deep

The fact that the wonder spice is great for the skin should come as no surprise to local ladies. Women have used turmeric as a beauty aid for decades. Face masks that include turmeric are ever popular in both homes and spas in Dhaka. The benefits are endless. It helps to treat oily skin, reduces acne, can fade scars and even out skin.

Handy healer

Daily detox

Because turmeric is an anti-oxidant, its consumption helps to cleanse the liver, which is super important as that happens to be the organ that eliminates toxins from our body. So if you’ve been careless, whether it’s not drinking enough water or hitting the bottle too hard, upping your turmeric intake may be just what the

to treat colds and coughs naturally.

Look no further than this immunity booster for preventative measures when flu season comes knocking.

Inhaling the steam from powdered turmeric in hot water can ease sinus pains. Drinking warm milk with a spoonful of the powder helps relieve congestion and ward off chronic coughs.

Beat the sniffles

Chock full of anti-viral properties, turmeric is the way to go if you want

As if all the miracle properties in curcumin mentioned above weren’t enough to have you reaching into your kitchen cabinet, turmeric can also be used as an anti-bacterial agent. If you don’t have a tube of antibiotic cream handy when you’ve scraped or burned yourself, you can use a thin layer of turmeric paste on the affected area for fast healing.

1. Start your day with a bottle of lukewarm water and lemon juice or a cup of strong green tea. You can also add some mint to your tea to give it a little more kick.

The water and lemon or green tea will help your body get rid of all the toxins clogging your veins.

2. Cut down on your calorie intake. That potbelly needs to go.

3. Try to have walnuts and turmeric milk to help your skin get back that natural glow.

4. Drink plenty of water and vegetable soup (home-made, not store bought).

5. Include carrots, apricots, and all kinds of colourful vegetables in your diet. Remember, what goes in comes out on your face.

6. Try to have as many gooseberries and watermelon slices in one day as you can.

7. Don’t let the anticipation and stress get the upper hand, just relax.

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10 | Trial room

GayeHoluds then and now

The good old fun elements barely linger on

| N Anita Amreen Back in the day gaye holuds were a warm and intimate affair. The bride cosily nestled in a corner with her close friends and relatives, our favourite uncle cranking up the harmonium with signature qawwali numbers and our cousins breaking into spontaneous dance routines to create a medley of unbridled fun, love and laughter. Pure old-fashioned fun where photographers didn’t hound the bride for pictures and entertainment meant a convoy of transgender people spontaneously breaking into dance numbers to bless the bride. This week we look at how our holuds have evolved over time to go from being an intimate affair to a grand, pre-rehearsed event with only remnants of the past lingering on our current celebrations.

All under one roof Regardless of time and how holuds

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have evolved, there has always been one leading agenda to all holuds – entertainment. Before, that meant we opened our doors to the transgenders as they passionately danced their way into our celebrations. Flamboyant, unbridled and full of bawdy jokes they brought out the best of the evening as they broke into our favourite item numbers with the quintessential thumkas and claps.

Today, we rarely see them come to bless a couple on their holud night, let alone join the wedding party in the celebrations.

Portrait sketches Back in the day there may have been a photographer or two, but it was all about capturing unrehearsed moments of the celebration.

Today’s bride is a beautiful statue of perfection, holding the perfect smile as a mob of photographers

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Trial room |

to get their pictures taken with the bride and groom.

Parody What is a holud if not an excuse to poke fun at your in-laws and get away with it? Parodies were chosen as the number one vessel for this sort of mischief. Men taking the role of females, females taking the role of men, the mother-in-law portrayed as the exaggerated form of the evil shashuri, all combining to create a parody of under-the-belt jabs, crude jokes and harmless fun. While it may not be as widespread today, often times popular Bollywood songs take the lead when it comes to teasing and dancing.

shoot away to find shots that are “picture-perfect.” Some holuds even had a portrait corner where easel and charcoal pencils in hand, artists sketched out portraits of the guests or even the bride in true old-fashioned style. In today’s era of countless photographers, selfies and profile pictures, portraits no longer hold as much allure as they did.

Qawwali Previously holuds almost always demanded a true blue qawwali mehfil. The Ustad took to the stage, his soulful voice taking the lead, transporting the wedding party from one intense number to another.

Whether the captivated crowds swayed or sang along, there was always something quite culturally

rich and deeply enchanting about the melody, rhythm and even the arrangement of a qawwali mehfil. In contrast, today’s holuds or sangeets have musical sessions conducted by local bands that play the latest disco version of “Tunak Tunak Tun,” or worse, they sing away in a lonesome corner as the crowds are too busy socialising or just pushing their way

Dance and DJ One common trait that has surpassed the evolution of holuds is the love for dancing. Perhaps before it meant our chachis and phuppis took the dance floor with their slowly deliberated hip juts and elbow shakes, today we take it all up a couple of notches with our choreographed Bollywood dance drama. Think enticing thumkas fuelled with as much vigour and enthusiasm to the rather naughty undertones of the latest item numbers. It’s all about getting our groove on, busting some quintessential Bollywood moves and flaunting our best loved pelvic thrusts.

Photos: Rezowana Chowdhury Xenia

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12 | Trending style session

with Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

fashion

Yellow crush The chic shift

Q

My best friend is getting married this week, and they decided to have everyone in the bridal party wear yellow for the holud. The closest thing I have to yellow in my wardrobe is my mother’s matronly looking beige sari. I don’t have time to buy a yellow one (it’s not a colour I wear much anyway) and get the blouses and petticoats made, but I don’t also want to stick out like a sore thumb. Help!

| Khan N Moushumi

Intro: Soon-to-be wedded bellas, it’s time you throw on the floral jewellery, put the locks up in a romantic updo and wear that big smile while you paint the town yellow. Ensembles from Rang, which has just recently launched its new bridal collection, will make the transition a whole lot easier for you.

A

In a situation like this, your accessories are your best friends. A sari isn’t inherently “matronly.” It’s how you wear it.

Team the sari with a sexy matte gold blouse and matching slippers, and it’s a young look. Since your clothes aren’t yellow, you can add little accents to it to create the impression of yellow. Change up your make-up routine with a bright pop of yellow eye shadow in a shade that flatters your complexion. Layer a neon yellow necklace (Urban Truth has some nice chain-link ones, while Cats Eye has a few in enamel) with your gold bling; this look is very in right now. Stick a yellow flower in your head (a shade that complements the necklace), and throw on a soft yellow pashmina. Finish the look with a bold yellow clutch (you are sure to find one in Pink City, Gulshan or ADC Empire Plaza, Dhanmondi).

Q

I made the mistake of wearing white to a holud and then volunteering to go apply the turmeric on the groom. In the typical antics that ensue during this ritual, a big drop of turmeric landed on my pristine white kameez, leaving an ugly yellow stain. How do I get rid of it?

A

There are a number of ways you can do this. The first step in all methods is to rinse the affected area in cold water (never hot). Afterwards, you can soak the area in liquid soap and allow the soap to settle before applying vinegar to wash off the residual stain. Another method is to apply lemon juice to the affected area and leaving the garment out in the sun before washing it in detergent. Since it’s a white garment, you could also treat it with hydrogen peroxide to bleach the stain right out without causing discolouration.

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1. Graceful in white and amped up a notch with mirror and thread work on the border in contrasting shades of red, pistachio and yellow, this sari is the perfect balance between traditional and trendy 2. You can’t go wrong with canaryyellow when it comes to your gaye holud. Team it up with a two-toned pink blouse to keep the focus up top 3. This flattering, bright mahogany katan sari is a no-brainer; the contrasting floral appliqué work on the border in red, yellow and lilac flawlessly complements the tone. Paired up with a ruched lace blouse, the ensemble has got “pure perfection” written all over it 4. This purple stunner with fuchsia and orange patch work on the border screams “elegance.” Add a pair of corsages and a floral headpiece into the mix and you’re ready to get the guests drop their jaws 5. Step foot on your holud stage in this striking, mint lime green number with block printed border and aanchal in coral and orange.

Accessorise with floral jewellery to your heart’s content, the day is yours

3 1

4 Photos: Shafawat Khan Shafu

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Dress design, choreography and styling: Biplob Saha Models: Bipasa, Farhan, Tisha

13

Tailored| his style

Different season, different rules We’re not letting those style fouls off too easily

| Mahmood Hossain

Winter will creep in sooner than we’d like to think. Colder days demand better care of you and yours. But no slack given to those of you who continue to commit these style fouls. Get out your pen and paper, it’s time to check off more of the dos and don’ts during the coming season.

• Grooming is where it all begins, followed by the various outfits you’ll see yourself in. Come morning, make sure you aren’t bathing in scolding hot water. No one thinks you’re the long lost heir to the Targaryan throne so keep in mind to shower instead.

A quick yet efficient shower with warm (not boiling hot) water gets the job done. It saves you the pain of dwindling around before the cold slaps you like a new born baby.

• Moisturise, even if you produce more black gold than a Russian oil tycoon. Your body is going to dry up like the droughts of the Great Depression so it’s important to apply body lotion all over. You have two separate lotions, one for the body, the other one’s a face moisturiser.

And always keep hydrated, just

because it is winter doesn’t mean you stop drinking water.

• Doubling up on layers isn’t as delicious as a Master Chef cook-off down under. We’re in Dhaka, not the Himalayas. Keep your layers light and breathable, not chunky. For example,a lightweight, crew-neck sweater underneath a blazer, jacket, or hoodie will do enough to keep you warm. As for the socks, one pair will do just fine.

• Scarves, beanies, gloves, and any other accessory that will keep you warm should be chosen carefully. This means being a grown man and buying a few scarves for your wardrobe, instead of borrowing your mother’s shawl looking like Amitabh Bachchan in Silsila.

Leather gloves won’t do you any good either, unless there is cotton or wool on the inside.

And for the love of God, please find a beanie that fits properly.

Those ill-fitted beanies that protrude upward, as if a Turkish Sufi whirling contest has commenced, is a big no-no.

in fashion

style session

with mahmood Hossain

Q

Could you tell me where to get tailor-made suits that don’t come out like every other, generic suit? It seems as if their designs are stuck in a long gone era.

A

You’d be surprised at how well these “stuck in the past” tailors actually know and what they are capable of. Don’t be fooled by brand names or so called popular tailor shops around town.

In most cases, they’re probably charging you too much for their services. We’ve mentioned before how important it is to develop a solid relationship with your tailor.

You two have to meet on common grounds to get the best out of the entire service. Make sure he’s experienced, versatile, and willing to work with you. If you cannot give a detail-by-detail order of what you want and expect, they’ll do it their own way. Trust us when we say, if you tell them exactly what you want, they’ll get it done. But you better know all there is to making a suit before heading off to the tailors.

Q

Winter kicks

What’s the best hairdo to have during winter?

Trade in the sneakers for boots

| Mahmood Hossain This winter, whether you’re off to work, a wedding, or a hangout, give your feet something sturdy and comfy to walk in. Boots aren’t restricted to our brave men and women protecting the nation. There are dress boots (Chelsea boots) that will keep on par with your uber sophisticated outfit to a formal event, and then there are those for more casual events. However, there is one versatile boot this season that will adapt to almost any occasion.

The first, suede desert boots will be a big winner for the winter.

While the weather no longer teases us with rain, don’t be afraid to invest in some suede this time around.

Desert boots are a style of chukka boots. In other words, all desert boots are chukkas but not all chukkas are desert boots. Desert boots, like the ones at Yellow (for just under Tk5,000), have crepe rubbery soles.

They were first casually worn and popularised in the 1950s, stemming from the British soldiers in desert campaigns from WWII. With a little extra to spend, there’s the more traditional leather chukkas that can be found at Cats Eye for Tk5,900. The ankle-high boots can be worn in both casual and semiformal occasions. Dressing either of the styles up and down is as easy as taking one piece out of your entire outfit. At work, you’ve got your suede

desert boots paired up with a suit.

After hours, you can substitute the suit jacket with a cardigan and lose the tie. It all depends on where you’ll end up hanging out by the end of the day, of course. Now you have a military inspired accessory that melts its way into your everyday wardrobe.

So strap into those boots, fellas, it’s time to take the streets by storm.

A

Most likely, you’ll want to keep that noggin of yours warm and away from the freezing cold. This means more hair on your head is a good thing.

However, most of us men aren’t blessed with a model’s mane. The usual seasonal choice has changed up a bit so there aren’t any rule to what you should be doing with your hair. You can keep the hairdo you have now unless you want to jump on the next trend train. But of course, we’ll keep you updated when the time comes.

Send in your style inquiries to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

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14 | Tempt beauty session

with Adila Hoque

Heavenly henna Rating popular henna

beauty

The other nominees Turmeric alternatives

| Sabah Rahman If you are getting hitched this wedding season, you’ll probably be going all out and have numerous events where the bride-to-be has to shine. One of those is locally known as the “Gaye holud” which is basically when family and wellwishers apply a paste of turmeric to your face. But, what if you happen to be allergic to the yellow goop? While turmeric is great for the skin, as illustrated in the health column in this very issue, some people can actually be sensitive to it.

How can one be allergic to an ingredient from nature? It’s simple. Certain individuals can have the skin type that cannot handle certain elements - natural or synthetic.

Don’t worry your pretty little head over this matter and let the stress show on your beautiful, glowing face. There are alternatives to turmeric that can be used during one of the most fun occasions of your wedding.

Photos: Big Stock

Almas: 4/5

Photos: Big Stock

One of the most popular and sought-after henna brands in the city, it has been known to quite often run out of stock in the various supermarkets in the city. It is also believed to have the darkest colour and last the longest - approximately one to two weeks, and it is a lot more than what could be said about its competitors.

With these good qualities, its favouritism becomes unparalleled to any other brand.

Neem

We call it “neem pata,” the West calls it margosa leaves. A green bride? Why not? Why should all those shades of yellow have all the fun? Applying neem paste to your skin is probably one of the biggest favours you’ll ever be doing it. It fights acne, it repels mosquito bites and relieves a number of skin infections. Make a paste of the leaves and add a bit of glycerine to balance out any over drying.

Shehnaz: 3.75/5

Shehnaz, a Pakistani brand easily goes neck-to-neck with Almas, even though Almas has now eradicated Shehnaz almost completely. Unless you’re the keenest shopper, finding a Shehnaz in the city may become quite a challenge for you. Even then, if you are lucky enough to come across one, make sure you get it before someone else does. Shehnaz, alongside Almas, has been known to result in the darkest colour and together, they last the longest time possible. Both of them, more or less, have the same standard.

Lizan: 3.5/5

Due to larger, imported cones, Lizan has been very quickly wiped off the face of the henna market.

It is a little sad to watch these cones collect dust on shelves for months in a row. Although its colour is not as dark as the other two, it definitely wins the race in longevity. However, a lot of people have complained about being allergic to this brand and so it has been shelved even more quickly. If you’re not willing to risk your skin being irritated by them, we’d advise you to kindly resort to better options.

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Sandalwood Chickpea paste Known as “besan” in our neck of the woods, dried and ground up chickpeas made into a paste with other natural ingredients can be just as beneficial for your skin as turmeric. It helps reduce oil production, fights acne and also inhibits the growth of body hair.

Make your own paste using a bit of rose water as besan by itself can be quite drying.

A natural disinfectant, full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood, known as “chandan” should be the go-to paste for those who cannot use turmeric.

Used for eons in Asia, to treat a multitude of skin issues, beauty addicts worldwide have gotten on this wagon. If you have seriously sensitive skin, make a paste with sandalwood powder and lime juice, as it can help ward off allergies.

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Ticket|

Herbal business It was all yellow

|Sabiha Akond Rupa When you are making a shopping list of things such as saris, panjabis, shoes, bags, cosmetics and jewellery for the holud dalas, adding a few natural and herbal products is equally important too for the beauty ritual of the soon to be wedded brides. The holud ceremony is a crucial part of the South Asian weddings and opting for herbal products that have minimal chemical elements in them and no side effect is the way to go. Here’s a list of a few good brands of herbal and natural products.

Meena Herbal products Multani face pack Uptan face pack Miracle face pack Miracle face wash Heena hair pack Hand & foot scrub Body scrub

Address:

Meena Bazar branches, Swapno Super stores, Jatra, etc.

Aarong Herbal products

Herbal face pack for normal to oily skin Herbal uptan with holud Herbal uptan without holud Chandan face pack Neem face pack

Address:

Asad Gate branch: 1/1 Block A Lalmatia, Manik Mia Ave, Dhaka 1207 Aarong Gulshan: Gulshan – Tejgaon Link Road Dhaka- 1208

Source Natural Soaps (Prokritee) Address: 1/1, Block A Asad Gate Road Mohammedpur Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh

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16 | TRAVELOGUE

The city of joy Your rough guide to wedding shopping in Kolkata

| Baizid Haque Joarder Regardless of whether you want a modest wedding or a regal one, you have to shop. Going abroad for wedding shopping has been a trend in the recent years. For those opting to go abroad for shopping, Kolkata is the place for you. The shops in Kolkata these days, oh my! They have everything you want and even if they don’t, you can get customised ones that may perfectly suit you on your big day.

Where to look From designer wear for the bridesto-be to the plain saris for the elders and everything in between, you can get them all from the gorgeous shops on Park Street. Some of the popular fashion houses include Rangoli, Savera Sarees, Roop Milan, Vibhavari among countless others. The fun part is, there are so many Bangladeshis going there to shop, but they still manage to remember you the next time you visit them.

What to expect As soon as you sit down, they’ll offer

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, Nove m b er 22, 201 4

jamdanis in some of the shops!

Bear in mind one thing, whenever you ask for “wedding” saris, they’ll bring out the over the top saris. Make sure you give them an idea of your taste. That will save you a lot of time.

Popular brands Wedding malls like Shagun can be your one stop solution where you can buy the clothes for the groom and the male members of the family.

If you are willing to spend more, the choices may seem endless. A lot of established and also emerging designers may end up on your list.

Sasya, Simaaya and so on showcase many designers of calibre. The local favourite which would be criminal to miss would be Sabyasachi.

you Kolkata’s version of paprichaat and a soda as they sit in front of you and patiently show you their collection no matter how many times you’ve asked them to do so. Benarasi

saris, lehengas, party saris, dresses in georgette, exclusive prints, handwork and so on can be found at affordable prices. An Avenue T member was startled to see even the Dhakaiya

Getting things in order Make sure you give your address properly, if you are ordering something from the shops which will be mailed to you after it is tailored.

While shopping there, remember to keep the exchange rate in mind

17

TRAVELOGUE|

Here are a few places you might like to visit:

Manyavar

New market (S.S Hogg Market) Kolkata, West Bengal 700017 Phone: +(91)-33-40035353

Places to stay The Park Kolkata 17, Park Street Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India The Oberoi Grand 15, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013, India Lytton Hotel 14 & 14/1, Sudder St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India There are plenty of hotels on Marquis St, Free-school St and other lanes around the Park St and New Market region.

The Eatery to help you understand the amount charged in taka.

Planning the itinerary People usually take three to seven day trips to Kolkata and shop day and night but it is advisable to plan your days and itinerary beforehand to make sure you don’t forget to buy the bride’s second cousin’s panjabi! Seven days may seem less as most of us tend to shop for specific items between different shops around the city, which sure takes a lot of time. The time spent in traffic doesn’t help the cause. So wouldn’t it be nice to plan everything out and get the wedding shopping done with and keep a day in hand to do a bit of sightseeing?

A breather might not be a bad idea before the beautiful, yet hectic, festival starts.

Best wishes to all the couples getting married this season!

While you’re there, be sure to try out the Kacchi Biriyani from Shiraz Golden Restaurant on Park St, which is one of the oldest biriyani eateries. Don’t forget the local delicacies and of course, the street-food (bhel puri, pani puri, nimbu pani etc.)

77, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 Phone: +(91)-33-40646028 Other outlets are on Shakepeare Sarani and M.G. Road

Shagun Wedding Mall

10-a, Shakespeare Sarani, Near Hindustan Liver, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071 Phone: +(91)-33-228238243

Rangoli

97, Park Street, Near St Xavier`s College, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 Phone: +(91)-33-66346552

Savera Sarees

95, Ground Floor, Park Street, Opposite D C Head Quarters, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 Phone: +(91)-33-66246853

Vibhavari

107/1, Park St, Mullick Bazar, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 Phone: +(91)-33-22175332

Sasya

23A Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017 Phone: +(91)-33-22892323/2311 Website: www.sasya.in

New Market

Bertram St, Lenin Sarani, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017

Adi Dhakeswari Bastralaya

18/1, Gariahat Road, Rash Behari Ave, Hindustan Park, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019 161, Rash Behari Avenue, Lake Terrace, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029

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18 | Tantalise menu

Snack Stations Different ways to add some deliciousness to your holud menu

| N Anita Amreen While holuds are usually steeped in tradition, over time they’ve become bigger, better and far grander. We’ve got the over-the-top decorations, the full-fledged dance routines, the singers flown from abroad and of course, the menu as elaborate as you can imagine.

With us taking our holud celebration up a couple of notches there’s a lot more to see, watch and enjoy. And we all know just how deeply enjoyment equates with food in our culture. With that thought in mind this week we look into the delicious additions you can add to your holud to make sure no mouth goes unfed, and no craving unmet. Here’s our listing of what could be a part of your very own Holud cart company:

as much passion as we love our holud dance numbers. These bite sized pleasures are the reigning queen of snacks that are also meant to be eaten in that manner – with wholehearted enjoyment and pleasure.

Jhal muri loving

Why not set up a corner with your local jhal muri bhai as he whips up your favourite jhal muri concoction, one paper bowl after another. It’s crispy, it’s light and it’s got a whole arsenal of flavours to blow away your taste buds.

If you’re thinking about adding carts to your wedding there’s nothing more essential than a phuchka station. We love our phuchka and chotpoti with

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, Nove m b er 22, 201 4

Now really, what is ANY Bengali celebration without our mandatory cup of chaa? Probably going to be your most visited stations there’s no refreshment as strong as tea. Perhaps you can also add a coffee section for those who like their caffeine hit to be

Laddoos, shondesh, kalo jam and dai – where would we be without some mishti to sweeten the deal for us?

Forget about sneaking helpings from the brides table and get your guests to join in the mishti munch session by setting up the sweets in tiered trays.

Paan

Pitha mela

The chaa station The phuchka station

stronger than the milder one offered by tea.

Mishti mukh

With winter already making an appearance, what better way to warm our appetites than serving up some hot, right out of the stove bhaapa pithas?

If you think bhapa pithas alone won’t cut it, you can also add some common favourites to the menu such as chitoi pitha, patishapta and kuli pitha.

Popcorn

What better way to enjoy all the drama and dance if not with a bag of hot popcorn? Grab a bowl of some popcorn to gear up for the elaborate dance session in store for you. Since holuds usually also have a train of children scurrying around, you may also bring in some fancy candyfloss to add both colour and variety to your snack section.

Bellies full, meals complete and chaa already sipped once you’ve progressed to the end of the evening, it’s time to wrap things up. And nothing wraps up a meal as well as the good old paan. You can set a DIY station or have someone serve readymade paan – whatever works.

Lassi

Chilled, tangy and full of spunk there’s no drink as close to home as lassi.

Served sweet or salty, lassis are a milky treat meant to tickle our tongues and calm our tummies after our indulgent meal. Serve it in a large rounded pan, using clay cups. If you think your guest will enjoy lassi, you can even consider adding maatha to the drink menu too.

19

News |

Splash, spa and the privilege card at Westin

The Westin Dhaka has recently added a new elevation to its service by newly introducing the privilege card, Splash restaurant and spa. The privilege card will provide a more rewarding experience to the guests. Guests can take their pick from the Platinum, Gold and Silver card in offer. Members can enjoy complimentary buffet lunch or dinner for two people in designated restaurants, stays for two nights and get one night’s

Le Méridien Dhaka at 2014 Interclub Tennis Competition Le Méridien Dhaka has recently joined hands with International Club (IC) for the annual tennis tournament event - 2014 Interclub

stay for free, weekend stay, discount in all F&B outlets, Westin Workout, swimming pool and special rate on group dining and many more. Splash located at level 5, beside the outdoor pool in an enchanting manicured garden, offers guests an informal setting for drinks and light fare. Now Splash has been re-launched with the bi- fold glass door option with the enhanced facility of private meetings and social events.

Tennis Competition which began on September 21 where all the Expatriate Clubs in Dhaka are participating. Participating Clubs include Bagha Club, Nordic Club, Dutch Club, ARA, etc. Le Méridien Dhaka, conveniently located on the Airport Road is expected to open in the coming year.

Westin Dhaka has added into its spa facilities two brand new rooms located on level 4. With a total number of eight rooms Westin Spa gives the opportunity to the singles as well as couples to enjoy luxury services. Guests can rejuvenate themselves with Jacuzzi in a private room. For more information on spa, privilege card or to book your table at Splash, please call 989 1988 or visit www.facebook.com/thewestindhaka.

Layer’r fragrances

Pearl International Bangladesh and Adjavis Venture Ltd India, came together to launch Layer’r range of fragrances in Bangladesh. The Layer’r range includes deodorant sprays and perfumes for men and women. Adjavis Venture Ltd (AVL), promoted by Devendra N Patel, started its operations in India in 2013 with the nationwide launch of Layer’r deos and perfumes. Pearl

Stop Not Film Festival ”Golpo Chalao, Film Banao,” the campus-centric story-telling and film-making competition organised by ”Stop Not,” a popular snack brand, in order to create a platform to encourage the creative and talented youngsters of the country to showcase their talent of storytelling and film-making. This venture has created quite a stir among university students across the country. 10 films will be shown at the “Stop Not Film Festival”.

In July this year, Perfetti Van Melle, the film-making workshop started off to develop young talent in the film-making industry through mentoring and knowledge-sharing by industry experts. Eminent writer Anisul Hoque was part of the workshop and the campaign to inspire, encourage and motivate the talented youngsters. Young leading writer and social worker, Asif Entaj Robi was also with the initiative to supervise and coordinate all campus related activities. In addition, renowned film director Saraf Ahmed Zibon was an integral part of the journey to lend practical and technical support to the participants of the competition.

International is promoted by a team of partners and is located in Dhaka. It specialises in the import and marketing of quality cosmetic products from various countries.

Pearl International has a strong marketing network and team to cater to all classes of people across categories. AVL and Pearl together, plan for Layer’r to make its presence felt in the entire general and retail market, pharmacies, high-end stores, hyper markets and super stores.

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20 | news Closing ceremony of “Emerged from Unknown VI”

Bengal Blueberry Located at Gulshan 2, Diplomatic Zone, Hotel Bengal Blueberry offers Deluxe, Premium, Premium Twin, Executive Suite and Blueberry Suites to its valued clientele. Their friendly staff, BBQ Terrace, Blueliscious Restaurant, Banquet and Conference Halls and Thai Spa will ensure a memorable stay. For more information contact Hotel Bengal Blueberry, House # 1/A, Road # 90, Gulshan-2.

Tel: +88-02-55051630, www.bengalblueberry.com.

Galaxy Alpha HANS in partnership with Surf Excel organised an eight day long art exhibition which started on November 7 at DRIK Gallery, Dhanmondi, Dhaka under the title “Emerged from Unknown VI.” The exhibition was organised with a view to creating awareness on autism and let general people know about the latent talents of autistic children. The exhibition was adorned with 120 paintings of special children from eight special schools and continued till November 14.

The closing ceremony of “Emerged from Unknown VI” began on November 14 where chairman of HANS Meer Sohrabul Hossain, special quest Zaved Akhtar, brand building director, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd were present. During the event the pictures were on sale. In total 16 pictures were sold and on the closing ceremony the selling amount was handed to the artists. Also, the participants were given certificates as a token of appreciation.

Life is Here

Bengal Art Lounge launched a 21 day long solo exhibition of paintings by Kanak Chanpa Chakma, titled Life is Here on November 15. Acclaimed for her colourful depiction of daily life in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, Kanak Chanpa has conceived this first solo in two years as a tribute to the Chakmas, a community of which she is herself a member. Women feature dominantly in Kanak Chanpa’s canvases. Carrying baskets or dreaming by the pond, they show strength and grace at once. Their strong presence contrasts with their almost indefinite facial features, which adds to the impression of serenity that characterises the painter’s universe. Built on the long standing relationship between the artist and Bengal Foundation, Life is Here opens a window on the latest phase of the development of Kanak Chanpa’s immense artistic talent. The exhibition will run December 6 and will be open daily from 12pm to 8pm.

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Samsung Mobile Bangladesh has launched their latest smartphone Galaxy Alpha in the Bangladeshi market. The Galaxy Alpha focuses on both beauty and functionality combining a stunning metal frame and slim, lightweight design with the same powerful hardware and features users expect from a flagship Galaxy mobile device. The Samsung Galaxy Alpha runs the latest Android 4.4KitKat and features a 4.7-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) Super AMOLED display. The handset sports dimensions of 132.4x65.5x6.7mm and weighs only 115-grams that is 25% lighter than an average green apple. The Galaxy Alpha is powered by an octa-core chipset (Exynos 5430), with 2GB of RAM and 32GB inbuilt storage. The Galaxy Alpha sports a 12-megapixel camera and also includes 2.1-megapixel frontfacing camera with UHD video recording. It packs an 1,860mAh battery. Connectivity options include Micro-USB, Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, GPRS/ EDGE, 2G/3G and LTE. The Galaxy Alpha also comes with accelerometer, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, hall sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor, gesture sensor, fingerprint scanner and heart rate monitor.

The smartphone is now available in Bangladesh in Charcoal Black, Dazzling White, Frosted Gold and

Sleek Silver colour variants at Tk65,000 and customers can also avail 6 months EMI facility. Interested customers can visit Samsung official webpage www.samsungmobile-bd. comor call at 09612-300-300 to find more about Galaxy Alpha or visit the nearest Samsung Smartphone cafe.

Exclusive android apps for BCS candidates

Tech Firm Impel Service and Solutions (ISSL) have released an exclusive App named “BCS Guide & Model Tests” for BCS candidates. Apart from exclusive model test functions, users will also get access to the question bank of the last 10 years, categorised questions and last updated syllabus of the BCS exam. For new candidates there is a section that contains the guideline of BCS. Under the categorised question feature, there are six separate parts where users will find question and answers for their practice session based on different categories like Bengali, English, Math, Current Affairs, etc. Aminul Haque, ceo of ISSL says, “This android application will help all BCS candidates as a digital tool where they can practice their curriculum any time and from anywhere.” Apart from Google Play Store, users can also download this app from ISSL’s project website apps.mobileduniya.com.

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CriticaLink Mobile-Based First Responder ServiceLaunched in Dhaka

CriticaLink, a non-profit social business based in Dhaka has launched the first mobile technology-based emergency First Responder system in Bangladesh on Friday November 14, 2014. At the launch, CriticaLink—in conjunction with their major partner, MiakiVAS—revealed their free mobile app (available for Android in the Google Play Store) and a number (096 7878 7878) that will be available from 8am-11pm every day of the week.

CriticaLink will provide emergency medical help to citizens of Dhaka who need rapid care following a severe injury or road accident.

The service will be launched first in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, and Mirpur with around 100 certified First Responders who have been trained in life-saving techniques such as bleeding control, fracture and burn care, head and spinal injury precautions, and CPR. Other areas such as Mohammadpur, Old Dhaka, and Lalbagh will be launched in the following months, with goals to expand to outside of Dhaka in the upcoming year.

The launch event took place at

HubDhaka in Mirpur 11 and included guests from both the public and private sector including the telecom industry, the government, the international medical community, and several organizations promoting road safety. Mr. Ilias Kanchan, a well-known Bangladeshi media personality attended as the Chief Guest for his work with Nirapad Sharak Chai, an organization dedicated to Road Safety that he founded after losing his wife in a road accident 22 years ago.

About the Founder: Jennifer Farrell is the Founder of Criticalink and a 2013-2014 US Fulbright Student to Bangladesh who has trained over 2000 Emergency First Responders in Bangladesh since 2012. Jennifer has extensive experience in Emergency Medicine, having spent 4 years as a volunteer paramedic before pursuing her medical degree (MD)

About CriticaLink According to statistics from the WHO, between 15,000-20,000 people die each year in Bangladesh as a result of road accidents, many of whom could be saved with faster access to emergency care. To put it in perspective, for every 2 people who die in road accidents in the USA, 160 die in Bangladesh.

CriticaLink was founded in 2014 as a non-profit social enterprise with the goal of saving lives in Bangladesh by training volunteer First Responders in life-saving emergency medical skills and using an innovative, from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans where she has also completed a sub-intership in Trauma Surgery. She has trained thousands of EMTs and First Responders in the USA, Africa, and South Asia, and is passionate about improving access to emergency care for people living in medically underserved areas.

location-based mobile network to quickly dispatch the closest volunteers to the scene of an accident to provide help to injured citizens.   Patients can access the system by submitting a request through the mobile app, or by calling the emergency number directly.

Dispatchers at the call center will then send mobile alerts to the First Responders closest to the scene of the accident with the goal of getting care to patients in 10-15 minutes.

Contact Information: For more information please visit www.criticalink.org or www.facebook. com/CriticaLinkBD. For general media inquiries, please contact CriticaLink PR Advisor: Yeasir +8801711082162 or send an email to info@criticalink.org A short video about the CriticaLink is available here: http://youtu.be/ VnJ9g_jvLb4

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