Latest news with #PoilaBoishakh
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Celebrating culture, community, and foodBengalis in Pune get together for Poila Boishak
Cultural performances at the event The Bengali community in the city gathered in numbers from across Pune and neighbouring areas to celebrate Poila Boishakh or the Bengali New Year. While the evening started with a presentation of cultural performances, including dance, music, and poetry recitals, other attractions like stalls selling traditional handicrafts, to those stocked with snacks and more, kept the attendees engaged. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Food, of course, was at the core of the celebration, with everything from Bengali snacks to more elaborate mains, to gorge on. From children to the older generation, all were decked up in ethnic attire, immersing themselves in a celebratory mood complete with much camaraderie. No Bengali event is complete without sweets From food to clothing, there were lots to browse through 'While the evening started with a presentation of cultural performances, including dance, music, and poetry recitals, other attractions like stalls selling traditional handicrafts, to those stocked with snacks and more, kept the attendees engaged. Food, of course, was at the core of the celebration, with everything from Bengali snacks to more elaborate mains, to gorge on,' said Arun Chakraborty, who runs two Bengali community Facebook groups that organised the event.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Celebrating new beginnings
(L) Deep Chatterjee's soulful vocals enchanted the guests (R) The soft sound of the flute transported the city folk into a melodious trance like state (BCCL/ Manas Mishra) Bengali Club, Lucknow , recently celebrated Poila Boishakh — the first day of Baisaakh and Bengali New Year , with full fervour and pomp. The grounds of the club were bustling with energy as a large crowd gathered, dressed in elegant traditional attire. Each guest was warmly welcomed with Bengali sweet, Darbesh, setting the tone for a day of joyful celebration. (L) Abhijit Sarkar (R) Abha Kala (L) Sumedha Sen (R) Trisha Sinha (L) Ritisha Mukherjee (R) Rupa Mukherjee (L) Enakshi Sinha (R) Leena Johri and Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma (L) Debashish Chanda (R) Devanshi Adding a musical touch to the day was a live performance by Deep Chatterjee, a finalist of a popular musical reality show, and his band Matan from Kolkata. Arun Banerjee , the president of the club, was seen actively managing the event, ensuring everything went smoothly. — Manas Mishra (L) Arun Banerjee and Alkananda Banerjee (R) Bhithika Bose (L) Anjali Ranjana (R) Anupriya Vohra
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Green is the new gold: How to add a festive touch to your home with plants and flowers
As Poila Boishakh, Bihu, and Vaisakhi roll in with mango blossoms, new calendars, and that age-old itch to give your home a glow-up, here's a hot take — let your décor bloom. Literally. Forget swanky drapes and that gold-accented something from an online sale. This year, go for a glow that grows — with potted plants, foraged flowers, and all things leaf-and-love. Doors, dining & that 'first impression' flex Why spend hours crafting a rangoli when your staircase can be flanked by areca palms that say "hello" in green? Deck your grill gate with marigold malas, or better yet, twist some neem and tulsi into your own DIY toran. For the dining table, ditch the sterile ceramic and plonk a wild bunch of eucalyptus, bougainvillea or even hibiscus into that kulhad you've been hoarding. Clay pots, terracotta jugs, or recycled jam jars — let them double up as flower vases. The best centrepieces are the ones that make your relatives think you've hired a stylist. Use : gate-side palms + DIY floral centrepiece Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Balconies & bedrooms: Your everyday escape zones Why book a staycation when your balcony can feel like a spring soirée? Cluster flowering pots with leafy friends. A mismatched family of rajanigandha, rose, and some mogra in a chipped kettle — it's the Bengali version of cottagecore. Add a decorative moira butterfly on metal resin stick to your planters — it's like that one nosy but fabulous aunt who brings flair to every gathering. Move indoors and let your bedroom turn into a bloom-scented bubble. Hang kokedama balls from curtain rods, or place a single rajnigandha stem beside your bed in a brass tumbler. You'll dream better, we promise. Use : balcony corner + Moira butterfly + bedside floral pop Loos & ladders: The unexpected glow-up Even your bathroom's in on the glow-up this year. A pothos trailing from the shower window? Yes, please. A peace lily next to the sink? Namaste, zen. Got an awkward hallway or an old ladder gathering dust? Give it a second life. Lean it against a corner and dress it in string lights, potted ivies, or even dried wheat stalks tied with festive ribbons. Add a tall snake plant in a copper bucket below and boom — forgotten corner turned festive photo-op. Use : trailing plants in bathroom + bamboo ladder moment Phool proof: This season's buzziest blooms Here's what you can grab in 20 minutes from your local phoolwallah: Genda (marigold): Bright, cheap, and basically the haldi of home décor. Rajnigandha (tuberose): For that dreamy, old-world Pujo-adda aroma. Bougainvillea: Vivid, wild, and free—especially if you snip it from your neighbour's wall. Palash (flame of the forest): The OG spring bloomer—sets the festive tone on literal fire. Roses (drama queens): Classic, fragrant, and they know they're the main character. Hibiscus: Bold red, sacred, and puja-approved. Aparajita: Soft violet, totally underrated, and perfect for stringing into torans. 'Even if you don't have a green thumb—and call yourself a 'plant killer'—you can still use flower cuttings, leafy branches, and painted recycled bottles for a touch of green. It adds a personal signature to your space.' — Alokananda Mukherjee, gardening enthusiast
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
New actors like us end up leaving pieces of ourselves in the roles we play: Ritwik Bhowmik
Ritwik Bhowmik , known for his roles in Bandish Bandits , The Whistleblower and Maja Ma , was recently in town for an exhibition just ahead of Poila Boishakh. Over a cup of bhanrer cha, he opened up about the roles that linger, the rhythms that drive him, and why his characters often end up revealing more about him than he's ready to admit. 'Playing Sagor was a cathartic experience' Sagor, a dark, brooding character, from his latest web series didn't need much emotional prep – just raw, real emotion. 'We didn't overthink the emotions. They had to be close to us,' Ritwik said, adding, 'For me, it was all about channelling my own frustrations into him and it was cathartic in a way.' The physical transformation, though, took more work. 'It wasn't just about the darkness; it was how he carried it. The way he moved, sat, even held his rage – it was all different. But in the end, it was a release. I let go of things I didn't even realise I'd been holding onto.' 'Stage taught me how to become anyone' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Ritwik revealed that his initial acting training happened on stage. 'Honestly, that's where the big transformation – from someone like a Radhe to someone like a Sagor – comes from. People keep asking how that switch happened. Well, stage prepares you for that,' he said, adding, 'In theatre, there are no limits; you can be an old man, a woman, a cloud – anything the imagination allows. "You learn to shape-shift. And that kind of freedom really trains your mind and body to adapt,' said Ritwik 'The real legends treat every film like it's their first' 'I've had the chance to work with some legends – from Naseer sir to Madhuri ma'am, and now Bumbada. And one thing I've learnt from them is that every time they come on set, it's like their first day as an actor,' Ritwick said, adding, 'No matter if it's their 400th film, they bring the same passion, the same hunger. I don't know how they do it. I really hope 30-40 years down the line, I can hold on to the same energy. Honestly, this is the most special part of being in this phase of my career – getting to watch that kind of fire up close.' 'I am excited to keep pushing myself further' For Ritwik, the jump from the disciplined Radhe in Bandish Bandits to the intense Sagor in his latest web series about politics in Bengal wasn't just about facing challenges; it was about embracing the opportunity to experiment. 'It's a privilege for actors to be given such a platform,' he said, adding, 'Working with creators like Neeraj Pandey and Anand Tiwari, who push boundaries, makes me feel incredibly fortunate. The experiments are working so far, touchwood, and I'm excited to keep pushing myself further.' A still from Bandish Bandids " New actors like us, driven to give their 200%, end up leaving pieces of ourselves in the roles we play. In turn, we take something from the character. We never walk away from the sets the same person", said Ritwik
