Letter from Kolkata: Saving the yellow Hindustan Ambassador taxi
The iconic Hindustan Ambassador taxi – known for its high curvy roofline, a large boot and adequate room for six passengers or even more on its two rows of bench seats.
Heritage
Exploring Thai curries from every region
Thai cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. Each region in Thailand boasts its own signature curry, reflecting local ingredients,…
Tangail handloom weavers earn only US$1.65 daily! Will the industry survive?
Tangail’s handloom weaving industry faces collapse due to rising costs, competition from cheaper power loom sarees, and declining demand. Without financial aid, innovation, and…
The Ranjana Script: A timeless Nepali cultural treasure
This script features characters embellished with intricate curves and loops, bestowing a distinctive artistic flair upon the language it denotes. Ranjana script is celebrated for…
Maki-e artisan from Kyoto preserves traditional lacquerware craft
Maki-e is a technique in which gold powder and other materials are sprinkled on this lacquered surface to create patterns and designs as if manipulating light and dark in an…
Reviving the craft of traditional Bhutanese boots
Known as ""tshoglam,"" these were a symbol of cultural and national identity. By the late 1990s, this age-old craft was gradually vanishing, but one man saw an opportunity in…
String of tradition: A legacy in water puppetry
Dang Duy Bang is a master of water puppeteer, who imbues Vietnamese folk character to life. His exquisite craftsmanship has carved a legacy in wood, carrying on a centuries-old…
Spring festivals celebrated across Vietnam
These bring vibrant celebrations filled with cultural traditions, lively performances, and communal activities.
Keeping the kavadi crafting tradition alive for Malaysia’s Thaipusam Festival
A major aspect of the Thaipusam festival celebrated here and in other parts of the world involves Hindu devotees carrying the kavadi. There are different types of kavadi, among…
China’s Shengzhou: City of steamed buns
Steamed buns, or xiaolongbao, receive global acclaim for their paper-thin skin and light, flavorful fillings. They are steamed to perfection, highlighting a harmonious blend of…