With skyscrapers towering above the surrounding hills and houses, Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh. Geographically speaking, it is located in the center of the country and is served by the port of Narayanganj. It is a city that is rich in history and culture and it is known internationally as 'the City of Mosques and Muslin'. No trip to Bangladesh is complete without first visiting Dhaka.
Dhaka is located in a monsoon climate zone, which means it receives plenty of rainfall every year between May and September during monsoon season. These natural conditions have made it perfect for growing rice and jute, which is why it is one of the worlds leading rice and jute growing regions. The city has a strong Muslim influence that is reflected in the roughly seven hundred mosques and historical buildings that give the city its character. Like many cities, Dhaka can be divided into an old and new city. The new portion of the city is characterized by residential and industrial communities while the old portion makes for better sight seeing.
No one really knows when Dhaka was founded. According to recorded history it was founded in 1608 AD, but some seem to think the city was around even before that. The city has always enjoyed some fame as a capital city in various capacities and it suffered some heavy damage during the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. Today the damage is almost invisible and instead of seeing chaos and rubble, you are more like to focus on beautiful old and new architecture and a major waterfront filled with a variety of different boats of all shapes and colors. The city is very busy and always has something to offer. You will also find that the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Dhaka is a great place to start your visit to this amazing country.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Discover the wonderful culture of Bangladesh and it's people
Bangladesh has a rich, diverse culture. Its deeply rooted heritage is thoroughly reflected in its architecture, dance, literature, music, painting and clothing. The three primary religions of Bangladesh (Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam) have had a great influence on its culture and history.
Bangalees have a rich fictional legacy, with the first available form of literature being over a thousand years old. Bengali literature developed considerably during the medieval period with the rise of popular poets such as Chandi Das, Daulat Kazi an Alaol.
The traditional music of Bangladesh is very much the same as that of the Indian sub-continent. The music in Bangladesh can be divided into three main categories: classical, modern and folk. Both vocal and instrumental classical music is enjoyed in Bangladesh. Ustad Ayet Ali Khan and Ustad Alauddin are two famous classical instrumental players that are internationally known. Modern music is becoming more popular and is practiced widely. Contemporary, pop songs and bands are also enjoying more widespread fame, but are mainly popular in the regions of Dhaka City.
Tribal dances are very popular among the Bangalees. The countryside girls are in the habit of dancing to popular folk music. Their dances require no regulations as such, just a small amount of courage and a big amount of rhythm. Popular songs like Shari and Jari are presented with the accompanying dance of both male and female performers.
Drama and theatre is an old tradition that is very popular in Bangladesh. More than a dozen theater groups in Dhaka City have been regularly staging locally written plays for hundreds of years. Many have also started adopted some plays from European writers. Baily Road in Dhaka is known as "Natak Para" and this is one location where drama shows are regularly held. Many shows are also held at the Dhaka University.
Another important aspect of the culture of Bangladesh is clothing. Bangladeshi woman usually wear Saris, made of the world famous and expensive, finely embroidered quilted patchwork cloth produced by the village woman. Woman will traditionally wear their hair in a twisted bun, which is called the "Beni style". Hindus will traditionally wear Dhuty for religious purposes. These days most men of Bangladesh wear shirts and pants.
Bangalees have a rich fictional legacy, with the first available form of literature being over a thousand years old. Bengali literature developed considerably during the medieval period with the rise of popular poets such as Chandi Das, Daulat Kazi an Alaol.
The traditional music of Bangladesh is very much the same as that of the Indian sub-continent. The music in Bangladesh can be divided into three main categories: classical, modern and folk. Both vocal and instrumental classical music is enjoyed in Bangladesh. Ustad Ayet Ali Khan and Ustad Alauddin are two famous classical instrumental players that are internationally known. Modern music is becoming more popular and is practiced widely. Contemporary, pop songs and bands are also enjoying more widespread fame, but are mainly popular in the regions of Dhaka City.
Tribal dances are very popular among the Bangalees. The countryside girls are in the habit of dancing to popular folk music. Their dances require no regulations as such, just a small amount of courage and a big amount of rhythm. Popular songs like Shari and Jari are presented with the accompanying dance of both male and female performers.
Drama and theatre is an old tradition that is very popular in Bangladesh. More than a dozen theater groups in Dhaka City have been regularly staging locally written plays for hundreds of years. Many have also started adopted some plays from European writers. Baily Road in Dhaka is known as "Natak Para" and this is one location where drama shows are regularly held. Many shows are also held at the Dhaka University.
Another important aspect of the culture of Bangladesh is clothing. Bangladeshi woman usually wear Saris, made of the world famous and expensive, finely embroidered quilted patchwork cloth produced by the village woman. Woman will traditionally wear their hair in a twisted bun, which is called the "Beni style". Hindus will traditionally wear Dhuty for religious purposes. These days most men of Bangladesh wear shirts and pants.
View brilliant art pieces at Art Galleries in Bangladesh
Bangladesh's very first art exhibition took place on 16 January 1951 and was hosted by the Dhaka Art Group. From that time onward art galleries in Bangladesh began springing up. Today there are numerous art galleries throughout Bangladesh. Bangladesh's art galleries feature both local and international art and attract art enthusiasts from all over.
The exhibition of January 1951 gave 19 painters the opportunity to display some 247 art works. A permanent art gallery was built in Bangladesh in 1963 by the East Pakistan Arts Council and today it is known as the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Art Gallery. Also during the 1960s, the Art Ensemble and Desh Gallery were established in Dhaka. The 1970s introduced three well-known art galleries to Bangladesh which gave any new and experienced artists a place to sell their art. Extensive growth took place in Dhaka during the 1980s. A photographic art gallery was founded by the Bangladesh Photographic Society in the city of Dhaka. A number of government run art galleries were also created. Since then art galleries in Bangladesh have gone from strength to strength. In 2000 Bangladesh held Asia's first Festival of Photography. Biennia Asian Fine Arts shows also take place in Dhaka's main art galleries.
Below is a list of Bangladesh's art galleries in Dhaka. All those who appreciate art are certain to have a good time exploring these venues.
The exhibition of January 1951 gave 19 painters the opportunity to display some 247 art works. A permanent art gallery was built in Bangladesh in 1963 by the East Pakistan Arts Council and today it is known as the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Art Gallery. Also during the 1960s, the Art Ensemble and Desh Gallery were established in Dhaka. The 1970s introduced three well-known art galleries to Bangladesh which gave any new and experienced artists a place to sell their art. Extensive growth took place in Dhaka during the 1980s. A photographic art gallery was founded by the Bangladesh Photographic Society in the city of Dhaka. A number of government run art galleries were also created. Since then art galleries in Bangladesh have gone from strength to strength. In 2000 Bangladesh held Asia's first Festival of Photography. Biennia Asian Fine Arts shows also take place in Dhaka's main art galleries.
Below is a list of Bangladesh's art galleries in Dhaka. All those who appreciate art are certain to have a good time exploring these venues.
Bangladesh in the Cricket World Cup 2007
Bangladesh has proven that no-one should underestimate any team that enters the Cricket World Cup. Even though they were regarded as minnows in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, the Bangladesh team has taken the World Cup by storm, leaving India and South Africa reeling in shock. Defeating two of the world's top cricket teams is an achievement to be proud of and has renewed the faith of many Bangladesh cricket supporters.
Bangladesh To Get New Nuclear Power Plant
It was with great excitement that Tapan Chowdhury, the energy and power advisor for Bangladesh, announced to reporters that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had agreed to help Bangladesh install a nuclear power plant in order to help the country meet growing demands for power. Bangladesh was one of eight minimally developed countries to be given the IAEA nod of approval for such a project.
News
News
Swapnodanay Nominated for an Oscar
The Bangladesh Oscar Committee has nominated "Swapnodanay" ("On the Wings of Dreams") as the country’s entry in the category of Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Academy Awards to be held on 24 Feburary 2008 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The Academy Awards – also known as the Oscar Awards – is the most watched film awards program in the world. The Academy Awards ceremony, backed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has been taking place annually since 1928. Awards are given in a number of aspects of movie making, including acting, directing, screenwriting and musical score. Winning an Oscar award is seen as an endorsement of talent and, therefore, this gold-plated metal statuette is much sought after.
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News
Luxury Seagull Hotel Planned for Teknaf
Located on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh, along the banks of the Naf River, Teknaf is a place of great natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, majestic waterfalls, stunning beaches and a variety of bird and animal life. It is in this beautiful part of Bangladesh that Seagull Hotel Ltd is planning to build a luxurious five-star hotel to accommodate the increasing numbers of tourists, both domestic and international, who are choosing Teknaf as their holiday destination.
News
News
Jamuna Future Park Planned For Dhaka
Many countries become known for certain landmark buildings or events that have either shaped their past, or are likely to shape their future. With a new innovative project underway for Bangladesh, it is hoped that the country will receive international recognition, and not only improve the economy of the city of Dhaka, but also be an attraction for tourists. After battling for six years to obtain permission from the development authorities of Dhaka, the Jamuna Future Park project has finally received clearance, and if everything goes according to plan, the public will be able to explore the magnificence of Jamuna Future Park by 2010.
News
News
Bangladesh Tourism Launches New Brand
Bangladesh is a colorful country with a lot to offer, thus it seems only right that the country should launch a bright brand of tourism. With that in mind the government recently launched a new tourism brand called ‘Rupomoy Bangladesh’ (Beautiful Bangladesh) as part of its efforts to attract both tourists and foreign investors.
Monday, April 13, 2009
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