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Third showroom of Banglar Mela in second successful year

Banglar Mela has successfully stepped into its second year, and it has already made a name as a premier handloom showroom one of the best in town.
The concept of Banglar Mela was to design trendy and fashionable clothing and accessories using only local and traditional fabrics, and to market these products at reasonable prices. So far, they have continued their operation according to this philosophy, said Emdad Hoque, Director, Product Development of Banglar Mela.
Their first showroom was established in Banani and their Mirpur branch showroom is nearing completion of its debut year. Along with their business activities, Banglar Mela also maintains its social responsibility and awareness, which is evident in their social activities. From the very beginning, they have employed in their organisation, mentally challenged individuals, giving them the opportunity to work and to earn like normal people, and to change the common misconception that such differently-abled people are of no use to the society. The products made by these individuals are sold at Banglar Mela.
On their first anniversary, Banglar Mela distributed plants to every guest, with a notion of "Let us bring back greenery" and on this day Banglar Mela discussed the ways to enhance the environment of the country. They also awarded the "Banglar Mela Award" to Shree Kushnath Das, a weaver from Chapainawabganj for his achievement in improving the quality of silk fabric. This year, the "Banglar Mela Award" will be awarded to Shree Arun Guha, for his continuous efforts to keep the 'Khadi' trend breathing. On every anniversary, Banglar Mela tries to honour the gifted artisans across the country.

Apart from Dhaka, Banglar Mela has worked and shared its ideas and concepts with the producers and the artisans of Bogra, Chapai, Rangpur, Chittagong, Potuakhali and Comilla. It has also maintained its liaison with its production unit, in a bid to promote the local fabrics and the handicrafts of the country. And its idea of blending regional and urban designs has created a distinctive design in the products, for which there is a high demand today.
The third showroom of Banglar Mela is located in Dhanmondi, Mirpur Road, under Hotel Nid Mahal - a beautiful air-conditioned atmosphere, where there is available an exclusive range of clothes made from local fabrics. There are various kinds of fotuas, shirts and punjabis for men, and for women, there are eye-catching designs for sarees, and also a range of outfits that combine traditional and western designs, which will definitely be a hit amongst young girls. There is also a line of products for children. Banglar Mela has also introduced a range of household items like bedcovers, cushion covers, thaan cloth, and the special attractions- the terracotta items.
The new showroom is designed with a blend of red and black, combining wrought iron with traditional tat frames to create a unique atmosphere. For high-quality clothes and cloth items, this is the place to go.

RECIPES my way

Mahjabeen Khan

"Congratulations, L S"

Seems like just yesterday - the first time I held a copy of 'Star Lifestyle' in my hand. Most probably during its teething days. I was beginning to wait for it every week. How I got roped into it, well, started as a joke.
We were at a lunch and I was casually discussing my intention of publishing a book of recipes. The Managing Editor of DS who was also at the lunch, suggested I write recipes for Star Lifestyle. I wasn't very sure whether it would be a safe or smart idea to promote myself as a cooking expert without having to hear loads of criticism from readers of the paper. And yet I wanted to do it. My only condition was that I would name my column 'Recipes, My Way,' so that even if I decide to put salt instead of sugar when making "Kheer" the readers might well think that I have gone bonkers, but I would have my bullet-proof vest on!
Lifestyle has come a long way since the first time I read it. It started off on the right foot - very different from most of the weekly magazines that we come across in Dhaka. It had an open-minded, refreshing attitude and from the very start it did not aim for a particular class, gender or group of people. Everybody reads it.
Young teenagers and women of all ages (maybe men too!) faithfully depend on Sadia Moyeen's 'Beauty Talk'. Or when we are (other than professional bankers, everybody has questions regarding banking) wrecking our brains with banking technicalities, Nasreen Sattar is there to bail us out in her column 'Banking Tips'. Whether you "have an apple a day to keep the doctor away" the doctor is at your door step every Tuesday with free advice and answers to your numerous questions. Articles on important day to day issues from children's play groups to pollution and traffic hazards are regular features in LS.
Young and dynamic, architects and interior designers are there to help you out with decorating, renovating, advising you on landscaping through their columns and features. Fashion designers keep you up dated with the current national and international trends with top class photographs and write-ups.
Not forgetting the magazine's special "IN" and "OUT' boxes, horoscope (I have to cut it out every Tuesday and behave accordingly?) the shopping guide - every thing is right on your lap! I feel wonderful to be a part of LS and enjoy immensely when people talk about the different topics. I know, from personal experience that the readers of LS vary from teenagers (or younger may be) to elderly grand mothers and uncles, and busy professionals (a friend of mine reads his in the quiet of his car on the way to office), whether you are browsing through it over your morning tea, or reading it on your way to work or saving it for last and read it in bed at the end of a long tiring day, isn't it amazing how much info you get in just 8 pages of A-3 sheets? From Apple-strudel to your Zodiac sign 'Star Lifestyle' has it all.
Apple Walnut Cobbler
1 cups sliced apples
1½ cups sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg, well beaten
½ cup evaporated milk
? cup melted butter
½ cup chopped walnuts
whipped cream (or ice cream)
Put apples in a greased 8 inch square pan and sprinkle with ½ cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine flour with remaining sugar and next 5 ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour over apples. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 325°
for 55 to 60 minutes. Serve hot with whipped cream. Makes 6 to 8 servings. May be frozen.