lifestyle
Brand Practitioners Bangladesh holds ‘Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing Fest’ in Dhaka
Brand Practitioners Bangladesh held a ‘Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing Fest’ at the Westin Dhaka on Saturday night.
The event brought together 34 illustrious speakers from diverse realms of the fashion industry, delivering profound insights across eight pivotal sessions.
A crowning moment of the event was the unveiling of the fourth edition of Brand Practitioners Bangladesh's magazine, ‘Business Brillianz’. This edition chronicles the illustrious journey and contributions of Syed Manzur Elahi, Chairman of the Board of Apex Footwear Limited, a titan in Bangladesh's business landscape.
Hadi Chowdhury, Head of Retail Operations of YELLOW, the event's title sponsor, exuded pride in their association, remarking, “We are honoured to be the title partner of this fest, addressing pivotal issues in contemporary fashion and lifestyle marketing and business promotion. YELLOW, synonymous with unparalleled quality, has been a stalwart in product manufacturing since its inception.”
Mirza Muhammad Ileush, Founder and CEO of Brand Practitioners Bangladesh, articulated the organization's unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability within the fashion and lifestyle industry. He extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, envisioning a future brimming with impactful marketing fests aimed at showcasing Bangladesh's unique fashion identity on a global stage.
In the closing speech, Shohrab Hossain Guddu of Brand Practitioners Bangladesh extended warm appreciation to all participants, sponsors, and partners, underscoring the fest's collaborative spirit and shared dedication to industry advancement.
Brand Practitioners Bangladesh is a pioneering entity dedicated to nurturing excellence in marketing and brand management. Through a diverse array of initiatives, including seminars, workshops, and networking events, the organization empowers professionals to navigate the ever evolving landscape of marketing with finesse and creativity.
Poetry recitation programme 'Aparajitar Kabbo' held in Dhaka
'Aparajitar Kabbo' a poetry recitation programme was held at Madar Teresa Bhaban in Dhaka's Tejgaon marking International Women's Day on Saturday.
The programme was organised by Jalaknya and conducted by its owner Suporna Alice Gomes.
A flock of reciters, including famous writer Jharna Rahman and photojournalist Sabina Yasmin participated in the programme.
In the event, eleven men and women recited various poems. They are Mahi Farhana, Nishat Sarmin Jasmine, Swapna Bernadette Francis, Mahbuba Sultana, Falguni De Costa, Nilim Ahsan, Tasnuva Orin, Nusrat Nusin, Suporna Alice Gomes, Khokon Koraya and Javade Hussain.
Sabina Yasmin said, "There was no obstacle to my work as a photojournalist from my family. However, while going to work, I face so many obstacles. But, I always try to get everyone's cooperation by treating everyone politely and I am going ahead with my work."
“As a female photojournalist, I am going through my work facing new challenges,” she added.
Jharna Rahman said, “We all grow up with separate identities. First of all, I am a human being, then I am someone's daughter, someone's wife, someone's mother. We all have a unique identity and we grow up this and work for family and society.”
Asia’s first-ever Wellbeing Summit held in Dhaka
Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation organised the first-ever Dhaka Wellbeing Summit at the Bangla Academy premises in the capital.
The summit bagan on Friday will continue till Satuday, according to a press release.
The summit aimed to create a national well-being strategy, prioritizing the holistic well-being of people in Bangladesh, with the slogan 'From Generation to Generations' at its core.
This event, has been organised in collaboration with The Wellbeing Project, a France-based mental health and wellbeing organization, BRAC Institute for Educational Development at BRAC University, Heroes for All, Map Photo Agency, and Liberty.
The summit emerged as a force to elevate mental health awareness and underscored the significance of individuals’ inner well-being as a fundamental indicator of societal advancement in Bangladesh, it said.
The summit brought around 200 change makers together worldwide to promote inner well-being for all, spark meaningful conversations, inspire actionable insights, and catalyze positive change on both individual and societal levels across Bangladesh and beyond.
The opening ceremony featured Meerjady Sabrina Flora, ADG, DGHS as the chief guest and Professor Dr Avra Das Bhowmik, Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as the Guest of Honour.
Flora lauded IWF for its proactive initiative and shared an inspiring quote from Rabindranath Tagore on the holistic well-being of individuals. “We both live and celebrate. We should celebrate life.”
Dr. Avro underscored the paramount importance of the Wellbeing Summit in Bangladesh, particularly in the global context of mental health awareness.
Later, Mirzadi Sabrina Flora, accompanied by IWF Founder and Executive Director Monira Rahman, led the opening ceremony, which received an enthusiastic response from all the guests present. Over two days, participants had the opportunity to express their well-wishes on a "kalpataru" tree regarding their own wellbeing, the release also said.
Moderated by journalist Shahnaz Munni, the opening session of the conference's final day showcasedstorytelling. Shawn Mahmud, daughter of the martyred intellectual Altaf Mahmud, shared strategies for addressing intergenerational trauma from her own life experiences.
Dr Mohammad Robed Amin, Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) line, who served as the chief guest at the closing ceremony, extended gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Health to IWF.
He remarked on the comprehensive exploration of well-being in social and personal spheres facilitated by the Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation through the Wellbeing Summit.
Amin highlighted the establishment of wellness centres at Chirir Bandar and Netrakona Sadar Hospital, where individuals are screened upon seeking mental health care and healthcare professionals are trained in mental health services. Over 1000 psychological counseling sessions have been conducted, predominantly with female clients, exceeding expectations. He expressed plans to expand the wellness centre concept nationwide and pledged support for the development and implementation of the well-being strategy paper derived from the summit's activities and discussions.
Monira Rahman, Executive Director of Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation and Country Lead of Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh Office, expressed, “Mental health is a fundamental right for everyone. To prevent mental illness before it occurs, it's important to stay informed, acquire mental health techniques, and apply them to our daily routines. We collaboratively reflected on the Wellbeing Action Strategy for Bangladesh and established a network to ensure its implementation across all levels. We will collectively advance the program of well-being from generation to generation.”
The summit culminated with cultural performance of Baul music by Tutun Shah Fakir, leaving the well-being seekers inspired and invigorated to continue the journey toward holistic well-being.
Gallery Cosmos offers ‘Art Therapy through Printmaking’ with Rokeya Sultana at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Celebrating the power of creative expression in healing through art on the occasion of International Women's Day, Gallery Cosmos showcased a unique, interactive segment titled “Art Therapy through Printmaking” featuring eminent artist Prof Rokeya Sultana at Dhaka Flow's “Inspire Her Wellness” festival.
Held on March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka, the printmaking session and workshop at the Creative Playground for the attendees stood out at the festival.
From 11:30 am till the prayer break on Friday, the segment captivated people from all walks of life, in front of the Gallery Cosmos pavilion at the festival.
The influx of crowd continued on Saturday from 11 am though afternoon, as many festival-goers returned on day two after being enamored with the magic of printmaking by the maestro on the inaugural day.
Dhaka Flow's festival celebrating Women's Day provides a much-needed space for wellness
"Printmaking is a unique and extensive artistic process, which we brought outside of our regular studio setting in this lovely spring atmosphere, organised by Gallery Cosmos — inside the beautiful setting of Dhaka Flow's ‘Inspire Her Wellness’ festival," artist and art educator Rokeya Sultana said.
For this segment, Gallery Cosmos not only brought Rokeya Sultana who is a pioneering artist and maestro of this genre, it also brought and temporarily installed its majestic printmaking machine, which became a centre of attraction to the participants.
Over the course of two days, more than a hundred prints were created at this inclusive segment. While children were the primary participants, festival-goers of all ages and families enthusiastically participated in the sessions and printed as they wished.
Mentioning the enthusiastic response of the attendees, Rokeya Sultana said, "Gallery Cosmos organised a truly engaging printmaking segment at this magnificent festival, where the enthusiastic response wholeheartedly amazed me. These participants are not artists, yet they beautifully channelled their creative expressions to the prints, making beautiful art pieces."
"The festival is arranged marking the International Women's Day, and we need to celebrate the occasion through meaningful events like this. Every day, the world and people make us realize that we are women, through various actions and attributions. We need unity in our society, and events like this festival can make us united, while segments like this can act as the much-needed creative therapy for our wellbeing," the artist said.
Microgreens: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and How to Grow
In a world where healthy eating and sustainable farming practices are gaining prominence, microgreens emerge as a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent addition to any diet. These tiny greens not only pack a punch in terms of health benefits but also offer a cost-effective solution for farming enthusiasts. This article will delve into the world of microgreens, their origins, health advantages, nutritional components, and how one can cultivate them in our country.
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are the young, edible seedlings of various vegetables and herbs, tracing their roots back to California in the 1980s. Far from accidental, their invention resulted from meticulous research aimed at maximising the nutritional value of plants in their early growth stages.
Harvested at around 1-3 inches tall, one week aged, these tiny greens offer an incredible concentration of flavour and nutrients. They often contain 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts, making them a popular choice for those seeking both taste and health benefits. Easy to cultivate at home, microgreens have become a trendy and versatile culinary delight.
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Nutritional Components of Microgreens: Superfood of the Future
These seedlings are rich in a bunch of vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fibre, Sodium, Iron, Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, etc.
Due to the high nutritional value, microgreens are also referred to as "superfood".
Dhaka Flow's festival celebrating Women's Day provides a much-needed space for wellness
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024, Dhaka Flow, Bangladesh’s first-ever yoga and wellness festival and a pioneer in promoting a holistic approach to wellness in the city, organised its much-anticipated "Inspire Her Wellness” festival at the capital’s Baridhara Society Lakeside Park, which kicked off on Friday.
The two-day event, which highlighted this year's theme, "Inspire Inclusion," welcomed attendees on the first day with open arms inside the greeneries of the park’s peaceful setting under the mesmerizing Spring sky, resonating with Dhaka Flow's core mission of championing wellness for all.
Beginning with ‘Graceful Awakening’ Morning Yoga by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini Shazia Omar at 10 am, the "Inspire Her Wellness” festival continued through engaging and enthralling sessions on its inaugural day.
Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 promises special arrangement for women
In a move towards inclusivity, the Joy Bangla Concert 2024 has announced special arrangements to accommodate female attendees. Young Bangla, through its verified Facebook page, revealed that dedicated entrances and spaces will be reserved exclusively for women. “Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie,” beckons the announcement, highlighting the concert’s commitment to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Scheduled to take place at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, this year’s event marks a significant departure from tradition, being the first time the concert is held outside the capital city, Dhaka. This strategic shift not only broadens the geographical appeal of the event but also pays homage to the historical essence of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, invoking the spirit of Bangabandhu’s iconic March 7 speech.
Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Since its inception in 2015 by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), the Joy Bangla Concert has evolved into a cornerstone of cultural celebrations, particularly among the youth. After pausing due to the global pandemic, the concert made a roaring comeback in 2023, continuing to honour the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. The event stands out for its unique blend of musical entertainment and historical reflection, creating a deeply resonant experience for attendees.
The 2024 edition promises to be a grand musical fiesta, featuring performances from a mix of popular and emerging rock bands. The line-up, as announced by Young Bangla, includes fan favourites such as Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Avoid Rafa, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, the local sensation Tirondaz from Chattogram, and Carnival. These acts are set to electrify the stage, celebrating the rich musical heritage of Bangladesh and inspiring a new generation with the indomitable spirit of its people.
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Art Therapy through Printmaking’: Gallery Cosmos’s unique offering at Dhaka Flow’s wellness festival
Gallery Cosmos, the artistic wing of Cosmos Foundation, is hosting a unique, interactive segment titled “Art Therapy through Printmaking” at “Inspire Her Wellness” by Dhaka Flow, a pioneering yoga and wellness festival.
The festival — to be held on March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka — will commemorate International Women's Day 2024, while “Art Therapy through Printmaking” will celebrate the power of creative expression in healing through art.
Eminent and pioneering printmaking artist Professor Rokeya Sultana will conduct a live printmaking session and workshop at the Creative Playground for the attendees. Besides, young artist Surovi Akter will be drawing caricatures live at the event.
‘The Black Story’ exhibition by Gallery Cosmos launched virtually
The workshop and printmaking session will be held on both days - Friday, March 8 at 11:30 am and Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 am.
In addition, the Gallery Cosmos Pavilion will be featuring 20 promising young visual artists and printmakers, showcasing a total of 35 artworks as part of its ongoing commitment to promote the country’s emerging talent by highlighting the work of these talented female artists.
With a large number of visitors expected to join and explore the art fair, Gallery Cosmos aims to provide a platform for these young Bangladeshi artists to gain recognition and appreciation on a global scale. The festival-goers can purchase their artwork from the gallery at the festival.
Nasrin Jahan Onika's maiden solo exhibition ‘Home’ begins at AFD
Art therapy has long been recognised for its capacity to unlock emotional expression and foster healing. It serves as a non-verbal communication channel that allows individuals to explore their deepest thoughts and feelings.
Women have been pivotal in the art world, yet their representation has not always been proportional to their talent. This event is dedicated to promoting women artists who do more than just fill a gallery; they shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for the next generation of female creators. They challenge societal norms, question the status quo, and, most importantly, offer a rich narrative with diverse female perspectives.
The Black Story webinar sheds spotlight on ‘Dismantling Anti-Blackness in South Asia and the Diaspora’
Women’s entrepreneurship in the art world is a burgeoning force. Female artists are not just creators but innovators and business leaders.
One of these pioneering women entrepreneurs is Nahar Khan, a writer, curator, and patron of the arts who is currently serving as the Executive Director at the Gallery Cosmos and the Cosmos Foundation. In addition, Nahar Khan also currently serves as Director at United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Vice President of the Cosmos Group.
An enthusiast of Arts and Culture who is keen on working towards inclusive curatorial practices and curatorial activism to challenge assumptions, hegemony, and heterocentrism while sparking meaningful discourse around social, racial, and political issues, Nahar Khan is especially devoted to the cultural and historical exchanges between communities.
‘Amar Dekha Noya Chin’: Bangabandhu’s formative journey in a travelogue-style graphic novel
Gallery Cosmos garnered widespread recognition from the international creative community for many of its artistic endeavours. Among these endeavours was the series of intellectual and artistic interventions for “The Black Story” project, an interactive virtual exhibition conceived and curated by Nahar Khan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also works with differently-abled children in the art space and holds several art events and workshops for them, alongside the regular artistic ventures of the gallery in order to foster the country’s glorious art and culture.
Kicking off this Friday at 10 am with an opening ceremony by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini, Shazia Omar, the “Inspire Her Wellness” festival is scheduled to host a wide range of workshops and classes, originating and concluding at Baridhara Society Lake Park on March 8-9.
UNB is the media partner of the festival.
Yoga a gift of India to world: Pranay Verma
Is Midnight Snacking Bad for You?
If you find yourself reaching for a snack in the dead of night, you are not alone. Midnight cravings are a common occurrence, often driven by various factors that go beyond simple hunger. It involves a complicated interaction and psychological and physiological factors. Let's dive into the intricacies of late-night snacking, exploring the reasons behind it, its impact on health, and practical ways to curb those midnight urges.
Reasons for Midnight Snack Cravings
Unbalanced Meal Schedules
Unbalanced meal schedules wreak havoc on the body's internal rhythm, causing a disconnection between hunger signals and actual meal times. When meals are irregular, the body, accustomed to a routine, may erroneously interpret these fluctuations, triggering nighttime hunger pangs. This disruption becomes a significant factor in midnight snack cravings.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Fluctuations in cortisol and ghrelin levels are pivotal in orchestrating hunger and satisfaction. They play a role in nocturnal cravings. Elevated cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," intensifies at night, prompting desires for sweet or fatty treats.
Simultaneously, heightened ghrelin is the "hunger hormone." It amplifies your appetite during the nocturnal hours and fuels the urge for midnight snacks.
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Inadequate Daytime Eating
Skipping meals or inadequate calorie intake triggers heightened evening hunger. In the absence of sufficient daytime nourishment, the body enters "starvation mode" and slows metabolism to conserve energy. This often results in intense late-night hunger, particularly if dinner is skipped or kept light.
Stress and Emotional Eating
Stress induces cravings for comfort foods, rich in sugar, fat, and salt. Elevated cortisol levels during stress can increase appetite and desire for unhealthy foods. While these provide momentary pleasure, long-term consumption may contribute to weight gain and other chronic health issues.
Dehydration
Sometimes, thirst may be misconstrued as hunger, prompting unnecessary snacking. Dehydration can send signals to the brain resembling hunger, even when food is not required. Maintaining adequate water intake throughout the day aids in distinguishing thirst from hunger and diminishes the likelihood of late-night snack cravings.
Read more: 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
‘Inspire Her Wellness’: A celebratory Women’s Day Festival by Dhaka Flow
This weekend, Dhaka Flow, an innovative wellness platform, in collaboration with Baridhara Society, is thrilled to launch a pioneering festival dedicated to yoga and wellness, commemorating Women’s Day. Scheduled for March 8-9 at the Baridhara Society Lakeside Park in Dhaka, the festival is being supported by Brac Bank Tara, Suzuki Motorbikes, BTI, Turaag Active, and Ispahani Blenders Choice Premium Tea.
Offering a complimentary, engaging exploration into the realms of movement, mindfulness, and health, the event aims to unite experts, enthusiasts, and the broader community for a weekend filled with educational, inspirational, and actionable wellness experiences.
Aligned with this year’s Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Her Wellness,” Dhaka Flow’s festival embodies its commitment to universal wellness. Recognising the unique challenges women face in juggling caregiving and work duties, often at the expense of their own health, the festival intends to shed light on these often-overlooked issues. Providing a nurturing environment for women and their families, the festival invites exploration of holistic health in Dhaka’s context, as detailed in a media release.
Nasrin Jahan Onika's maiden solo exhibition ‘Home’ begins at AFD
Participants can anticipate an enriching engagement with wellness professionals, hands-on classes and workshops designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional resilience, interactive Q&A sessions, nutritious dining options, and networking opportunities with peers. This in-person event pledges to empower the community to elevate their overall wellbeing and maintain fitness.
Kicking off on Friday at 10 am with an opening ceremony by Dhaka Flow co-founder and esteemed yogini, Shazia Omar, the festival will commence with a sound healing session. Saturday’s activities includes a wide range of workshops and classes, originating and concluding at Baridhara Society Lake Park. Remaining true to its eco-friendly ethos, the festival includes a symbolic tree planting ceremony by Dhaka Flow and Shakti Foundation, contributing to the greening of Baridhara Park.
The festival’s art zone promises creative workshops and activities suitable for all ages, alongside engaging outdoor pursuits for children and educational sessions on essential health principles. Emphasizing the importance of financial independence, time management, health awareness, and the freedoms of belief, speech, and expression, the festival aims to inspire and educate.Additionally, the festival will offer a Sufi whirling class and a journaling session. A meditation garden will host all-day mindfulness practices and support groups addressing chronic pain, cancer, depression, grief, addiction, and the challenges of raising children on the spectrum, in hopes of fostering a sense of community strength and solidarity.
‘Amar Dekha Noya Chin’: Bangabandhu’s formative journey in a travelogue-style graphic novel
Highlighting female coaches and entrepreneurs in the wellness sector, the event will also feature a farmer’s market showcasing fresh produce and organic goods from local women farmers in collaboration with FAO and ZXY International FZCO. The festival emphasizes an eco-conscious approach, avoiding plastic waste, offering vegetarian food options, and providing free activities for all attendees. Generous sponsorship from leading private sector companies underscores the festival’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles within the community.
Dhaka Flow remains dedicated to positively impacting individuals and the environment, offering resources, events, and a supportive network to encourage optimal living and environmental stewardship. For further details and registration, visit www.dhakaflow.com and follow Dhaka Flow on social media (@dhakaflowofficial).
UNB is the media partner of the event.
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