Art and literature have always been intertwined, inspiring and influencing each other throughout history. Paintings, sculptures, and other art forms often serve as inspiration for literary works, while novels, poems, and plays can spark the creation of visual art.
At Delhi airport, amid echoing announcements and rolling suitcases, Aranjit pressed a signed copy of Call of the Wild into my hands. Years folded like wings. His stories drifted through me—moonlit verandas, creaking stairs, and that breathless pause where memory meets mystery, reminding me that friendship, like storytelling, survives distance and time in quiet, luminous, unforgettable shared moments together forever.
আশাপূর্ণা দেবী, বাংলা সাহিত্যের এক অনন্য রত্ন, ১৯০৯ সালে জন্মগ্রহণ করেছিলেন এবং ১৯৯৫ সালে মৃত্যুবরণ করেন। মাত্র ১৩ বছর বয়সে কবিতা লিখে সাহিত্য জগতে প্রবেশ করেন তিনি। "তাসের ঘর" এবং "অনাচার" এর মতো তাঁর গল্পগুলো মানুষের মনস্তত্ত্ব এবং সামাজিক নৈতিকতার গভীর বিশ্লেষণ করেছিল। আশাপূর্ণা দেবী তাঁর লেখনীর মাধ্যমে সমাজকে মানবিকতার শক্তিশালী বার্তা দিয়েছেন। ব্যক্তিগত জীবনেও তিনি ছিলেন উদারমনা এবং অতিথিপরায়ণ, যেমন তাঁর শাশুড়ির জন্য নিরামিষ রান্না থেকে শুরু করে বৌমার পিএইচ.ডি অর্জনের আনন্দে সহকর্মীদের জন্য রেস্তোরাঁয় খাওয়ানো। তাঁর সাহিত্যকর্ম ও জীবনদর্শন আজও অনুপ্রেরণা যুগিয়ে চলেছে। আজ তাঁর মৃত্যু দিবসে, আশাপূর্ণা দেবীকে গভীর শ্রদ্ধা জানাই।
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the contrast between modern digital communication and the tradition of handwritten letters becomes evident. While the latter evokes deep emotional connections, the former often lacks depth. The history of Valentine's Day dates back to ancient Rome's Lupercalia, evolving with tales of Saint Valentine. In an age of instant messaging, the author urges a return to poignant, tangible love letters for meaningful connections that technology cannot replicate.
Naya village in West Medinipur is a vibrant hub of Patachitra, a traditional folk art combining painting and storytelling. The potuas, skilled artists, create colorful murals on clay while singing Pater Gaan, narrating historical and contemporary themes. This unique culture attracts visitors, preserving the artistry and heritage of the region.
Enheduanna, the first known author in history, was a high priestess in ancient Mesopotamia around 2300 BCE. Daughter of Sargon of Akkad, she bridged cultures through her literary works and divine devotion, particularly to Inanna. Her poetry reflects deep personal and spiritual struggles, establishing her enduring legacy in literature and religion.
On International Literacy Day, we celebrate the Royal Library of Ashurbanipal, the world's oldest known library, founded in the 7th century BCE. This treasure trove of knowledge housed 30,000 cuneiform tablets, including the "Epic of Gilgamesh." Ashurbanipal, a martial commander with a passion for literature, amassed texts through conquests. Unearthed in the 19th century, its surviving tablets offer valuable insights into ancient Mesopotamia. Despite its destruction, the library's unintentional preservation through fire ensures the wisdom of the past endures.
I received a heartfelt gift from fellow blogger Uttam Chakraborty, three signed books filled with Bengali poems and stories. These treasures not only adorn my library but also reflect our shared love for literature. I am deeply grateful for this thoughtful and generous gesture. Thank you, Uttam Babu, for this priceless gift.
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni offers a captivating reinterpretation of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Panchaali, also known as Draupadi. Divakaruni's narrative showcases Panchaali's tumultuous life, her rebellion against archaic laws, and her unrequited love for Karna. The novel skillfully balances sweetness and poignancy, drawing readers into the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history and mythology.
In ancient Egypt, the city of Berenice pivoted as a vibrant hub for diverse cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Archaeologists recently discovered a statue of Buddha from Roman Egypt in the Goddess Isis’ temple at Berenice, highlighting commercial and cultural ties with India. The city, a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations, grappled with Buddhist philosophy along with goods transported from India, creating a unique blend of spirituality and culture before fading into obscurity.
Beer is not merely a drink but a distilled memory of civilisation itself. From Sumerian hymns and Egyptian wages to India’s ancient rice brews and modern craft taprooms, beer has flowed alongside human history—nourishing bodies, binding communities, and carrying stories across time, geography, and culture, one fermented sip at a time.
