Arts-&-Culture
Martial Arts Belts: Everything You Need to Know About Their Color and Significance
Martial arts, a term encompassing various physical disciplines, are not just about physical prowess but also about mental discipline and spiritual growth. Central to many of these arts is the martial arts belt ranking system. These belts are more than colorful accessories; they signify the milestones one has achieved and the challenges that lie ahead.
Which Martial Arts Use Belt Ranking System?
Karate
This martial art is renowned for its robust strikes and powerful kicks. Karate adopts a structured belt progression system, beginning with the symbolic white belt and culminating in the prestigious black belt. As practitioners advance through various levels, each belt color marks a new stage of expertise and understanding.
Taekwondo
Characterized by its swift and dynamic kicks, Taekwondo follows a similar belt system to Karate. It encompasses a progression from white to black belts, each representing the stages of skill and personal development within the art.
Read more: Best Martial Arts For Fitness
Judo
A grappling-focused martial art, Judo emphasizes throws and takedowns. It employs a belt system starting from white, advancing through different levels until brown. The highly regarded black belt is awarded at the pinnacle of mastery, symbolizing a deep understanding of Judo's principles and techniques.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Recognized for its emphasis on ground fighting techniques, Jiu-Jitsu features a belt system encompassing white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts. Significantly, within each belt level, practitioners may earn stripes, marking progress and skill refinement.
Others
Various other martial arts also incorporate belt ranking systems. Aikido, for instance, moves practitioners from white to black belts, symbolizing a journey of growth and learning. Kung Fu, known for its diverse styles, follows varied belt systems, each reflective of its unique philosophy and technique.
Read more: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety
2023: A jam-packed year in arts, music and culture as normalcy returns after Covid
The departing 2023 has been a significant year with different cultural festivities across the nation, many of them returning after being ghosted by the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed only web-based events for the past three years. Some major events took place in Bangladesh, making it one of the prominent cultural years in recent history.
Several local-international exhibitions and festivals were organized at different venues throughout 2023, be it Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Liberation War Museum (LWM), Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art (DU FFA), Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Gallery Cosmos, Bangladesh National Museum, Gallery Chitrak, EMK Centre, Gallery Kaya, Drik, Safiuddin Shilpalay, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Brihatta Art Foundation, EDGE, Abinta Gallery or bother venues in the capital.
Right off the bat we had the 10th edition of the Dhaka Lit Fest that ran from January 5-8, returning after a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. Following this auspicious start, the year continued with a string of remarkable artistic and cultural festivities.
The 21st edition of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), one of the oldest and most regular cultural festivals in the country, officially began shortly after the Lit Fest in the capital, showcasing 252 films from 71 countries.
The long-awaited 6th edition of the Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) also made its return after three years in the following month at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), continued till February 11 under the theme 'Bonna' (Flood).
The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair began on February 1st and concluded on February 28 at the premises of Bangla Academy and the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, marking the first successful edition of the fair after the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020.
In celebration of World Music Day 2023, a multidisciplinary musical and theatrical performance titled "Made in Bangladesh" by Max Vandervorst of Belgium and 'Joler Gaan' band frontman Rahul Ananda of Bangladesh was staged in June at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Dhanmondi - which eventually led the French President Emmanuel Macron to visit at his home in September.
Several urban events captivated netizens this year at the Aloki Convention Centre in the capital's Tejgaon including the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB)'s flagship venture Bangladesh Fashion Week 2023 in March, the convivial urban rendezvous at the Dhaka Makers 2023's inaugural edition in June, and the tantalizing first-ever Arka Fashion Week in October. The venue was also the home of several high-profile concerts, including the musical night of popular Indian singer Lucky Ali.
Gallery Cosmos, the philanthropic and artistic wing of Bangladeshi conglomerate Cosmos Group (full disclosure: UNB's parent company), organised several exhibitions and art events throughout the year.
The list of events includes an exclusive Intaglio process-Softground and Stencil Workshop by internationally acclaimed art maestro Professor Rokeya Sultana titled 'Impression of Rokeyas', an exclusive watercolor art camp titled 'Splendours of Bangladesh' on August as an ode to the Father of the Nation, a joint exhibition with the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka tiled 'Smiles Around the World: An Artistic Celebration', Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan's solo exhibition titled 'Inspiration' and an exclusive ceremony in honor of a seasoned group of rickshaw painters in Dhaka whose works have made rickshaw and rickshaw paintings recognized as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Botswana, titled 'Gallery on Wheels' at the Private Museum, Baridhara in the capital. Additionally, several major solo exhibitions also took place throughout the year, including Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence' at AFD.
Several local and international festivals were also held across the country in 2023, including (but not limited to) the 9th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival, the 16th International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh, Chhayanaut's traditional Bengali New Year celebration at the Ramna Batamul and its annual folk fest, Shuddha Sangeet Utsab, dance festival and seasonal odes; the Ganga Jamuna Cultural Festival 2023; Korean Film Festival 2023; Goethe-Institut Bangladesh's Science Film Festival 2023 and the traditional 'Zainul Utshab' by Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Art in commemoration to the Shilpacharya's 109th birth anniversary.
Throughout the year, several musical events also enthralled the audiences and music lovers at different venues including the International Convention Center Bashundhara (ICCB), Bangladesh Army Stadium, Hatirjheel Amphitheatre and Aloki Convention Center.
These venues hosted several high-profile musical events, including To Gaza from Dhaka, Joy Bangla Concert, Coke Studio Bangla Live, Cholo Bangladesh Concert, Rock N Rhythm 3.0: Tribute Fiesta, The Night of Pritom Hasan, Dhaka Summer Con 2023, The School of Rock, Dhaka City Sound Project, and many more.
Prominent bands and performers including Nagar Baul, Warfaze, Artcell, Meghdol, Shironamhin, Maqsood O' DHAKA, Chirkutt, Nemesis and others continued enthralling the fans in these concerts. The most talked-about musical programme was the second edition of Coke Studio Bangla, which enthralled the listeners with songs such as 'Deora', 'Kotha Koiyo Na', 'Dilaram', 'Murir Tin', 'Bonobibi', 'Darale Duaarey' and more.
Besides, the Dhaka concert scene thrived throughout the entirety of 2023 with several big banner concerts and major artists and bands from India and West Bengal, including Lucky Ali, Anupam Roy, Chandrabindoo, Fossils, Taalpatar Shepai, Anuv Jain, Darshan Raval, and others.
Overall, it was a tremendous year for the art-culture enthusiasts and admirers in the country, and netizens are looking forward to the forthcoming year with another great bunch of cultural festivities.
New Year's Eve 2024 Celebration in Dhaka: Events and Dinner Packages
The advent of a new year is celebrated around the world expecting a healthy and prosperous future ahead. In this celebration, people love to enjoy some quality time with family and friends in a joyous ambiance. Centering this event hotels and restaurants are offering lucrative offers for dinners and staycation. Let’s take a look at some events and parties in Dhaka on New Year’s Eve.
New Year Festivities and Parties in Dhaka on December 31st Night
Revibe Parties by Radisson Blu
Dhaka’s Radisson Blu Water Garden has arranged the "Revibe Gala Dinner 31st Party'' in Utshab Hall and the "Winter Revibe Party" in the Ballroom, hosted by ReConnect Multimedia.
On offer is live music, and a dazzling array of entertainment, including fashion shows, celebrity dances, salsa, hip hop, laser shows, and belly dance. The Grand Ballroom and Utshab Hall present distinct celebrations, each offering a unique experience.
Tickets range from 3500 BDT to 10000 BDT. The minimum age requirement is 18, and the dress code mandates chic and sassy for ladies and a jacket or suit for gentlemen.
Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year
Pankouri New Year Fiesta 2024
If you are looking for a family-centric celebration for an unforgettable evening, check out ‘The Pankouri New Year Fiesta 2024’. Organised by Pankouri An Indigenous Dine Out, the event aims to create meaningful moments for families.
Scheduled for December 31, 2023, starting at 8 PM at Pankouri Restaurant, the fiesta offers an exclusive experience with live music, DJ Vicky spinning 80s beats, a delectable buffet and live BBQ —all within a smoke and alcohol-free environment.
The event emphasises a joyous celebration for singles, couples and families with kids.
Tickets are available for those eager to welcome the New Year surrounded by family warmth. The ticket price for singles and couples is BDT 3000 and 6000 respectively. For a family with two children the ticket price is BDT 8000.
Read more: The Enduring Lessons of Christmas: Embracing Kindness, Hope and Renewal
Galactic Night by Le Méridien
Do you want to welcome the new year in a cosmic environment with stellar vibes? Hosted by AllEvents.in, Le Méridien Dhaka’s Galactic Night event is set to entertain the guests with music under a celestial sky.
Welcoming 2024: Fun and Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Fireworks
The arrival of New Year's Eve traditionally brings with it spectacular fireworks displays. While visually impressive, these celebrations often have unintended consequences, such as disturbing wildlife, contributing to air pollution, and posing fire hazards. As environmental awareness grows, there's a shift towards finding safer, more sustainable ways to celebrate. This guide offers a range of creative and eco-friendly alternatives to fireworks for welcoming the New Year, ensuring that your celebrations are not only memorable but also kind to our planet and its inhabitants.
Exploring Creative and Sustainable Ways to Ring in 2024 without Fireworks
1. Theme-based Home Party
Transform your home into a magical celebration space with a chosen theme. Consider superheroes or fairy tales for kids, and perhaps a nostalgic retro or glam theme for adults. Encourage guests to dress in theme-specific attire. Decorations and snacks tailored to your theme can elevate the experience. This personalized, home-based party offers a unique, intimate, and cost-effective way to usher in the new year.
2. Epic Movie Marathon
Plan a movie marathon night with a specific theme like classic comedies, epic adventures, or family favorites. Set up a comfortable viewing area, either indoors with blankets and pillows or outdoors with a projector under the stars. Create a mix of films to cater to different age groups, ensuring everyone has a favorite to look forward to. Don't forget the popcorn machine and a snack bar to mimic a real cinema experience!
Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year
3. Culinary Delights: Cooking and Potluck
Why not make the kitchen the heart of your New Year's celebration? Arrange a group cooking session where each participant can contribute to making a special dish. For a more relaxed approach, host a potluck dinner where everyone brings their signature dish. This not only makes for a diverse spread of culinary delights but also sparks conversations and recipe exchanges. Combine this with music, a dance area, and a storytelling corner to reminisce memories, experiences, and adventures.
4. Competitive Game Night
Organize a game night featuring a variety of games – from classic board games and card games to interactive video games and outdoor sports if weather permits. Tailor the game selection to suit all ages and interests, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate. Offer small prizes for winners to add an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
5. Showcase of Talents: Music, Dance, and More
Create a home concert or talent show where guests can perform their favorite songs, dance routines, or even magic tricks. This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially children, to showcase their talents and enjoy the spotlight. You can also curate playlists for a dance party, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste.
Read more: IGP calls for flawless security over Christmas and New Year
Bangla Academy felicitates rickshaw painters for achieving UNESCO recognition
Felicitating the rickshaw painters in Dhaka whose works have made rickshaw and rickshaw paintings recognised as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Bangla Academy hosted a reception ceremony on Tuesday.
The ceremony was held at the academy's Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad (AKSB) auditorium.
Chaired by Bangla Academy president Selina Hossain, the event was joined by state minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid as the chief guest and Cultural Affairs secretary Khalil Ahmed as the special guest.
Bangla Academy director general Poet Muhammad Nurul Huda delivered the welcome address, while the first secretary of the Bangladesh Embassy in France Walid Bin Quashem and the academy’s director of Folklore Museum and Treasury Department Dr Aminur Rahman Sultan participated in the discussion.
A total of 111 rickshaw painters were awarded certificates, felicitations-memorials and Tk 10,000 (ten thousand) per person, at the event. The award and prize money were given on behalf of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs by the chief guest, special guest and president and director general of Bangla Academy.
In addition, Bangla Academy’s recent publication ‘Rickshaws and Rickshaw Art in Dhaka’ album and Dr Aminur Rahman Sultan's authored book ‘Dhaka Zilla’r Lokosangskriti’ (Folklore of the Dhaka District) was unveiled at the ceremony.
Speaking as the chief guest, KM Khalid said, “Bangladesh's rickshaw painting has gained global recognition as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is a remarkable honour for our country, our Bengali netizens, and the achievement of every rickshaw puller and rickshaw painter in this country - moreover, this is Bangladesh’s achievement.”
Cultural Affairs secretary Khalil Ahmad said, "In addition to the nature and public life of Bangladesh, it is important to capture the struggling history of this country, especially the portrayal of Bangabandhu in rickshaw paintings. Both the forthcoming Amar Ekushey Book Fair and the Bangladesh Pavilion of the upcoming Kolkata International Book Fair will feature our rickshaw artwork.”
The Enduring Lessons of Christmas: Embracing Kindness, Hope and Renewal
Christmas, celebrated worldwide, is more than just a festive occasion; it embodies profound teachings that resonate with millions. As we approach Christmas 2023, let us reflect on the invaluable lessons this sacred festival imparts, transcending mere celebration and highlighting values that enrich our lives and communities.
10 Lessons of Christmas
Love and Compassion
The essence of Christmas lies in Jesus' message of unconditional love and kindness. This festival urges us to extend our hearts in compassion and understanding towards everyone, especially those in need. It's a perfect opportunity to instill in young minds the importance of empathy, tolerance, and sharing. Christmas 2023 beckons us to embrace these virtues more than ever, fostering a world filled with kindness and care.
Read more: 5 Christmas Dinner Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Generosity and Giving
The tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas symbolizes the spirit of generosity. It’s not confined to material presents but encompasses acts of kindness like inviting a lonely neighbor for a meal or donating to those less fortunate. Christmas 2023 is a reminder that the joy of giving is the essence of the festival, making the smallest gestures of kindness truly special.
Platforms launches Canvas Conversations series with art luminaries
Platforms, the newly launched artistic discussion forum dedicated to celebrating and promoting the vibrant art scene of Bangladesh, has recently introduced its ‘Canvas Conversations’ series.
To ignite Bangladesh's artistic spirit on a global stage, the Platforms’ Canvas Conversations series is a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts, scholars, and the wider community to gain profound insights into the evolution of Bengali Art, according to a press release.
‘Rage and Hope’: 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrated at Drik
The maiden edition of this series showcased eminent art luminaries as the discussants, including Ekushey Padak-winning eminent artist and Emeritus Professor at Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Rafiqun Nabi; Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Dean Professor Nisar Hossain; Dhaka University Bangla Department Chair Dr Syed Azizul Haque, and former Editor at Depart Magazine and artist-art critique Mustafa Zaman.
The session was moderated by Rayana Hossain, Founder of ISHO and Platforms.
‘Gallery on Wheels’: Cosmos Foundation felicitates Rickshaw Painters as the medium enlisted as UNESCO heritage
In part 1 of the Canvas Conversations, Platforms spotlighted the struggles of the first generation of Bangladeshi artists, exploring the unique development of their art language and identifying pivotal artworks that defined early Bengali Art.
Nisar Hossain, artist and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Art at Dhaka University said, “Preserving the artistic legacy of our first-generation artists is important for understanding the roots of Bengali Art. Platforms’ Canvas Conversations offer a valuable platform for discussing and acknowledging their struggles and contributions.”
‘Victory’: Gallery Cosmos marks Victory Day with day-long art event with eminent painter-freedom fighter Biren Shome and child artists
Rayana Hossain, Founder, of ISHO and Platforms, said, "The Canvas Conversations series fosters meaningful dialogues that delve into the rich history of Bengali Art. It's an invitation for art enthusiasts, scholars, and the wider community to join us for an enriching exploration of art, history, and cultural innovation."
The full-length maiden conversation can be watched at https://fb.watch/o-IaKlXINZ/.
‘Rage and Hope’: 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrated at Drik
Marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh and Drik Picture Library jointly organised a photo exhibition titled ‘Rage and Hope’ that began on December 14 and concluded on Monday at 8 pm at Drik Gallery in the capital.
The UDHR, which marked its 75th anniversary this year on December 10th, enshrines the inalienable rights of human beings, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
Also read: ‘Gallery on Wheels’: Cosmos Foundation felicitates Rickshaw Painters as the medium enlisted as UNESCO heritage
As a celebration of freedom of expression, the photo exhibition provided a platform for photographers to showcase their work from across Bangladesh, visually exploring expressions of the fight for the rights of women, indigenous communities, the LGBTIQ community, students, and the rights of climate-displaced communities amongst others.
Photographer and Managing Director of Drik Dr Shahidul Alam has worked on rights issues, with photography as the primary medium for many years and has selected a breathtaking collection of past and contemporary pictures from across the country.
‘Gallery on Wheels’: Cosmos Foundation felicitates Rickshaw Painters as the medium enlisted as UNESCO heritage
Honoring a seasoned group of rickshaw painters in Dhaka whose works have made rickshaw and rickshaw paintings recognized as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity earlier this month, Cosmos Foundation, through its artistic wing Gallery Cosmos, organised an event titled ‘Gallery on Wheels’ at the Private Museum, Baridhara in the capital on Thursday.
Hosted by Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation, the event was joined by diplomats and officials from different embassies including the Ambassador of the Philippines to Bangladesh Leo Tito L Ausan Jr, President of the Cosmos Foundation Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, and elites of the diplomatic and international community, civil society, cultural and intellectual personalities attended the event.
Dhaka's rickshaws and rickshaw paintings enlisted as UNESCO heritage
Local and foreign dignitaries and maestro rickshaw painters including Mohammad Hanif Pappu, Syed Ahmed Hossain, Mohammad Soleman. S A Noor Ali and Md Monir Hossain were also present at the event.
“For this remarkable inclusion in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, I convey my heartiest congratulations to the rickshaw painters and the Cosmos Foundation for hosting this event. This year, we hosted a unique event titled ‘Adorn-a-Rickshaw’ as part of our traditional Kalayaan (independence) parade in Dhaka, which was a tribute to the iconic vehicle of the country and also to showcase the richness and colors of our Filipino festivals,” the Philippines ambassador said at the event.
Reviving the Rickshaw Art through the Lens of Gender-Diverse Communities
Mentioning the overwhelming response that the event received, and traditional festivals around the world such as the ‘Ati Atihan’ festival in the Philippines, Ambassador Leo said that Bangladesh should also have a rickshaw-themed annual festival to celebrate this achievement.
Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said, “When we grew up, we have seen rickshaw with vibrant, meaningful paintings behind it – and always realised that there are significant artistic values behind these works. I would like to congratulate Enayetullah Khan and Cosmos for discerning this, and being able to bring it out and present in front of us tonight. This art will continue far beyond our lifespan, because rickshaw and its associated artwork is not so much the object or form of transport; it is the unique and yet unmistakable bond between Dhaka, its people and its rickshaws. It is the essence of that relationship, that is inherently never tangible that UNESCO have recognized and we celebrate here today.”
‘Inspiration’: artist Jamil Khan’s solo exhibition begins at Gallery Cosmos
Enayetullah Khan lauded the achievement at the ceremony, stating, “December is a month of victory for us, and this year we achieved another victory as our rickshaw painting got inscribed by UNESCO as it designated the medium as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Through this recognition, the whole world came to know how creative, vibrant, and colorful this genre of art is.”
“Rickshaw first came in Dhaka city in around 1938, and the vehicle was first introduced in Japan when they were going through an energy crisis. When I was a child riding a rickshaw, I used to look ahead and see the painting on the back of the moving rickshaws - often saw the advertisements of the movies, or a place of interest in the world, or the pictures of different animals and picturesque, scenic beauties, or sometimes, it’s just a quote of wisdom!”
Mentioning broader plans to promote rickshaw painting across the world, Khan said, “I have travelled to at least 80 countries in the world, but I have never seen a nation as creative as ours. Today, we notice numerous rickshaw painting motifs in our living spaces, closets, and so on. We want everyone in the world to know about our culture.”
“That is why, we aim to organise an annual rickshaw painting festival to help raise the profile of the nation. For this, we will conduct comprehensive research through our Cosmos Foundation. We would like to conceptualise the findings through the publication of books, short documentaries and other creative works on rickshaw painting in the future. Through our Cosmos Foundation and its artistic wings like Gallery Cosmos, this is how we always promote Bangladesh.”
The artists showcased several of their rickshaw paintings, posters, and rickshaw painting-themed products, mesmerising the guests through the representation of their majestic and vibrant artistic visions.
“Even though we were not less than stars in this genre when every film poster had to be custom-made with rickshaw paint motifs, we started losing our momentums with the advancement of digital media. There was a time when people even used to mock us because we started channelling art in different decorative mediums.”
‘Victory’: Gallery Cosmos marks Victory Day with day-long art event with eminent painter-freedom fighter Biren Shome and child artists
To mark the celebration of the country’s 53rd Victory Day, Gallery Cosmos, the reputed artistic wing of the Cosmos Foundation, has hosted a delightful day-long art event titled ‘Victory’ with eminent artist and freedom fighter Biren Shome and a group of future master painters at the Gallery Cosmos, Cosmos Centre in the capital.
The event on Tuesday was hosted as a tribute to the country's glorious victory in the 1971 Liberation War, as the nation is set to celebrate its 53rd Victory Day this year.
Bangladesh remembers December with reverence and pride. The country earned its historic victory over Pakistani oppressors on December 16, 1971 following nine months of war fought at the call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Gallery Cosmos set to host art event on Liberation War on Tuesday