Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, and considered as one of the major cities on South Asia. It is located on the banks of Buriganga River, and has a vast population of over 12 million. The city is called the “city of mosques”. Dhaka is also known as the producer of the finest “muslin” in the world, which is a kind of cotton fabric that is finely woven, used to make dresses, curtains and other clothing materials. Here are some of the interesting places to visit in Dhaka, Bangladesh:

Lalbagh Fort – a beautiful castle located at the edge of Old Dhaka. The castle was built during the reign of Prince Azam in the year 1676. Prince Azam was the third son of the great Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb. The fort contains long armored walls with octagonal citadel. There is also a mosque built inside the fort, and the Mauseleum of Bibi Pari, and the Audience Hall. Visitors can visit the museum inside the castle, which is officially opened to the public.

Armenian Church – located in Armanitola, Dhaka. The beautiful church was built by the Armenian colony during the year 1791. The church is an attractive ancient-looking cathedral wherein its design dates back in the 17th century.

Tara Masjid (Star Mosque) – one of the most unusual mosques in Dhaka, which also called the “city of mosques”. The name, “Star” was given to the mosque due to the sparkling mosaic of broken china. The mosque was said to have been built way back in the 17th century by Shaista Khan. Infront of the mosque, is a star shaped figure, which stands for the mosque’s name.

Jatiyo Shongshod – Dhaka’s National Parliament building located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Jatiyo Shongshod is built with a vast complex geometrical design. The man behind this uniquely designed structure is American architect Louis Kahn. It is considered today as one of the most distinctively-looking building in Bangladesh.

Shahid Minar – one of the many mausoleums and monuments in Dhaka. This monument was built to commemorate the people who were killed during the Language Movement demonstrations in 1952, where in dozens of students and activists died. The monument had been a high subject for attraction in Dhaka. Its colorful gardens had attracted many tourists and travelers both local and abroad.

These are just few of the many interesting sites and destinations in Dhaka. There are other several places such as museums, numerous mosques, and monuments which are frequently visited in Dhaka. All are open for the public so visitors are always welcome to come and see the wonders of Dhaka.

Five elements of Bangladesh weddings:
Unlike Toronto marriage ceremonies, matchmakers known as Ghotoks, who are normally relatives or friends of both the couple’s families, arrange Bangladesh traditional weddings. These matchmakers facilitate any settlements between the couple. This is where the introduction of the couple to each other is facilitated. By far the most populous in Bangladeshi population who have Bangladesh traditional weddings are the Bengalis tribe. The event takes place in five essential elements; firstly is the groom and bride’s Mehendi Shondha, Gaye Holud for the bride, Gaye Holud for the groom, the Beeya, and finally the Bou Bhaat. Held during separate days, they are a mixture of formal and informal ceremonies. Increasingly gaining popularity, the initial ceremony is informal, where the bride is presented by the groom with a ring, which marks their engagement.

Ceremonies before the wedding:
During the Mehendi Shondha, the bridal party applies henna on each other, including the bride. This is done for the groom’s family, when in the Gaye Holud; the groom’s family proceeds in a march to the home of the bride’s family. Just like Toronto weddings, the groom is not present in this procession. This convoy traditionally revolves around the bride’s younger friends and relatives, who are all wearing matching traditional outfits that are mostly orange. The henna applied to the bride is in intricate and abstract designs, upon her feet and hands. The bride sits on a dais, where all involved feed her with sweets, gradually. Following the events of Gaye Holud, the actual Bangladesh traditional weddings or Beeye, is held. The arrangement of this marriage ceremony is conducted by the family of the bride.

Traditional wedding feasts:
Feasts for the guests are essential features of Bangladesh traditional weddings. Just like Toronto weddings, guests bring with them gifts for the couple. Depending on the resources of the parents of the couple, guests may range from fifty to five thousand, with wedding menus featuring sweets such as payesh and zarda, salads, spiced yoghurt’s burhani, biryani made of chicken and mutton, mutton rezala, roast chicken, and beef kebab. The Hindu ceremonies consist of menus including sweetened yoghurt, uncastrated goat meat’s curry, fish curry, vegetable dishes, and plain rice. In some areas such as Chittagong, these feasts can last for days. Unlike Toronto ceremonies, bride price, or dowry is payable in both Muslim and Hindu communities, and a dearth of good brides and grooms determine which family should pay dowry and which side should receive it, and how much it should be.