From classroom lessons to timeless stories, this is a nostalgic journey through how Vidyasagar, Bankim, Tagore, and Sarat Chandra shaped modern Bengali prose. Like four currents merging into a single river, they gave the language clarity, imagination, rhythm, and heart — a legacy that still flows through our words today.
At Erbil's Grand Majidi Mall, I met up with my friend Arbab for a memorable dinner at Mandi Al-Hattab. The cosy atmosphere of the restaurant provided the perfect setting for enjoying a traditional Mandi meal. The dish, known for its deep flavours and cultural importance, offered both delight and a meaningful link to heritage, making the experience truly memorable.
On September 6, 2025, my sister-in-law Gungun visited Ranchi after family time in Rourkela. On my day off, we explored the scenic Patratu Valley and Dam. Enjoying a leisurely boat ride and exploring an island, our adventure was filled with laughter and memorable moments, highlighting the beauty of family and nature.
Our journey to Udaipur lives on within us, etched not just in photographs but in the quiet stirrings of memory. On our final morning, we wandered through the city once more, breathing in its calm rhythms, as if Udaipur itself wished to soften the weight of our departure. Journeys, we realised, do not end with the last mile or the final boarding call. They remain within us, lingering as quiet companions, reshaping how we see the everyday. Udaipur has become a part of us—its essence folded into our own lives—until the day we fulfil the promise whispered in our hearts: to return.
We found that Chittorgarh offered a blend of history and culture, featuring the serene Kirti Stambh Jain tower and fragrant sarees. We also shared a satisfying lunch of dal-bati-churma with our driver, Deepak ji. Reflecting on our experiences, the journey back to Udaipur was marked by a deeper understanding of both valor and faith.
Every stone in Chittorgarh carries memory, but some rise higher than others — literally and figuratively. As we walked deeper into the fort, towers touched the sky, kunds whispered of battles, and the specter of jauhar hovered heavy in the air.
If Udaipur is the romantic heart of Mewar, Chittorgarh is its soul — fierce, tragic, unyielding. As we drove towards the fort that once stood as the largest in India, I felt as though we were approaching not just stone walls, but a living legend of Rajputana.
The trip to Nathdwara takes place along the roads of Rajasthan, where pilgrims travel barefoot, showing their devotion to Shreenathji, a respected incarnation of Krishna. Led by Deepak ji, we observed the lively culture and holy environment as we arrived at the Shreenathji Temple, feeling a deep bond amid the busy crowd and spiritual enthusiasm.
দিল্লিতে দুর্গাপূজার ইতিহাস প্রায় দেড় শতাব্দীরও পুরোনো। প্রথমবার কিছু বাঙালি মুঘল দরবারে কাজ করতে গিয়ে দুর্গাপূজা আয়োজন করেন, আর ১৯১০ সালে বল্লিমারানে শুরু হয় প্রথম সর্বজনীন পূজা, যা পরে কাশ্মীরি গেট পূজা নামে পরিচিত হয়। রাজধানী কলকাতা থেকে দিল্লি সরানোর পর টিমারপুর ও নিউ দিল্লি কালীবাড়ি পূজার মাধ্যমে এর বিস্তার ঘটে। দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধ-পরবর্তী সময়ে পূজা ছড়িয়ে পড়ে করোল বাগ, লোধি রোড, দরিয়াগঞ্জ থেকে শুরু করে NCR-এর নানা অঞ্চলে। বর্তমানে চিত্তরঞ্জন পার্ক বা “মিনি বেঙ্গল” দিল্লির দুর্গাপূজার প্রাণকেন্দ্র, আর গোটা দিল্লি-এনসিআরে আজ ৪০০-রও বেশি পূজা অনুষ্ঠিত হয়—যা প্রমাণ করে কীভাবে প্রবাসী বাঙালির ঐক্য ও আবেগ রাজধানীতে এক অনন্য সাংস্কৃতিক উৎসব গড়ে তুলেছে।
Bagore ki Haveli serves as a historical museum in Udaipur, showcasing Rajasthan's culture and daily life through its various chambers. An unexpected storm on Lake Pichola provided an enchanting experience during a boat ride, transforming the scene into a dramatic spectacle. Ultimately, unplanned local dining offered comfort after the storm, reflecting the joy in spontaneous experiences.
