At the Monipuri Raash Mela

Every year, during the full moon in November, the Manipuri people of Sylhet hold a Raash Mela. Meant to celebrate the love of Radha and Krishna, Raash is a colorful indigenous festival of Bangladesh.

In Raash, children wear magnificent costumes...



... and perform a ceremonial dance...



... often culminating with flames offered for worship.



It takes place on the banks of the beautiful Dolai river. People come walking...



...as well as using every imaginable means of transport!



Vendors sell bananas...



... and cookies...



... and of course ice cream for the kids.



Speaking of ice cream, why should kids have all the fun?



Some people seemed preocupied...



...but most joined in the fun...



Women decked out in elegant dresses...



...and memories were preserved for posterity.



Some ignored the crowd and concentrated on their test-drive.



Flutes were a special part of this celebration. In the legend, Krishna had used the magical sounds of his flute to charm Radha.



All in all, an excellent festival to attend. There is also a night part of this festival.


PS:
Manipuris, whose homeland is in the Indian state of Manipur, also reside in some part of Sylhet. How did they come here? Back in the British days, the Manipuri king did not accept colonial rule. So the British defeated him in battle. As punishment he (along with members of his court) were banished to... Sylhet! The Manipuris in Sylhet are decendants of those people.

The Charms of Old Dhaka

You never know the charming surprises awaiting you when you explore Old Dhaka. As I watched some children playing by the road...




...I heard the rustle of wings, and this man showed up chasing a bird...



... while a little further up, this young man waited around with an unusual dog.



The chores of daily life went on. A boy got water for cooking..



...and lunch looked more promising with this Hilsa sold by a travelling fishmonger.



Elsewhere, two flower sellers enjoyed their morning cuppa..



... as two friends shared a secret.




Old Dhaka is a lot about old buildings. Like the dazzle of Qassabtuli Mosque...



... and the serene formalism of Pogose School...



... but running into unknown old buildings is a special treat, like this one at the Sutrapur end...



... or this old temple which is now someone's home.



Some buildings have welcoming entrances...



... while others have an air of mystery, like this barber shop...



... and yet others speak of longing.



But the melancholy passes quickly when a vivacious girl appears...



...or a pretty woman crosses the street.



Old Dhaka is also the heart of business in Dhaka. It takes all kinds. For example, some make balloons...



...while others sell them...



...during special occasions such as Durga Puja.



So... the next time you are in the area, drop by old Dhaka. It's as colorful as it gets. Like these girls at Dhakeswari Temple.

When Grown Men Cried Tears of Joy

Today was a very special day for anyone who loves America.

Grown men cried tears of joy, not just in America, but also in many other parts of the world.

Let's hope Obama lives up to his promise.

And let's hope the Bd politicians learn a little from the grace that McCain showed (none of that "hey to churi koira jitya gesey" stuff in December, ok?)