ONLINE MUSEUM, PHOTOS AND STORIES FROM TRIPS

HAPPY NEW YEAR....2012

2011-12-30T00:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

To all my family, friends and colleagues! I am nothing without you guys.

Thank you, thanks a lot.

ধন্যবাদ অনিরুদ্ধ......

2011-12-30T00:22:00.000-08:00

হেই অনিরুদ্ধ,

অনেক ধন্যবাদ তোমার পাঠান সুন্দর দেয়াশলাই গুলোর জন্য এবং তোমাকে স্বাগতম দেয়াশলাই – এর ভূবণে।

MY LOVE MY PASSION

2011-08-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE

SHUVHO NOBO BORSHO 1418 [BENGALI NEW YEAR - 1418]

2011-04-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Location: Kolabagan Math, Dhaka

MATCHBOXES FROM FRIENDS

2011-04-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU FLEMMING

THANK YOU ROMAN

THANK YOU JACEK

THANK YOU MEHDI

WITH LOVE FROM COLOMBIA

2011-04-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU HERMANN AND VANESSA

THANK YOU SANDI...

2011-03-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY COLLECTION. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU STEVEN...

2011-02-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

KITCHEN MATCHBOXES

PACKET LABELS

BEAUTIFUL BULGARIA

2011-02-15T01:47:00.000-08:00

PLEASE CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGE VIEW

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY COLLECTION

THANK YOU PAUL...

2011-02-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

This collection is donated by Mr. Paul Dobson from England. Big thanks to Paul for

donating them. They will help me to increase my collection as well. This is a small sample of the best from the collection. Thank you again Paul.

DANISH DELIGHT FROM FLEMMING....

2011-01-21T01:25:00.000-08:00

SET MATCHBOXES

COLOR OF DIWALI BY MANOJ ...

2011-01-21T01:22:00.000-08:00

Iindian Festival Matchboxes [Diwali]

I kno Collector Series

MISS PAM...

2010-11-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

Miss Pam!

Very adorable and so cute!
She lost her parents.
As you can see she’s very happy now with us!

MATCHBOXES

2010-11-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

Courtesy: Roberto Back

Courtesy: Abdul Alim

Courtesy: Alex Novikovski

Courtesy: Nizam Ahmad

Courtesy: Steven Smith

Courtesy: Roman Adamczyk

COVENT GARDEN

2010-11-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

VISITING MY HOME TOWN [LALON MELA]

2010-10-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

120th Death Anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah

Banner Of The Lalon Mela

The Tomb And Shrine Of Fakir Lalon Shah

Ektara (Kind Of Musical Instrument With A Single String) Fakir Lalon Shas Used To Play.

Drums And Ektara Is The Great Combination Of Lalon Music.

Some Lalon Fan And Followers.

Smoking Weeds

People Who Come From All Over The

Bangladesh

And They Stay In Lalon Complex For Whole Five Days.

Shops In Lalon Fair

"Lalon Mela," one of largest cultural festivals of the country, thousands of people and hundreds of Bauls gathered every year at the lalon shrine, situated in Kushtia (My home town). This huge crowd of Lalon Mela proves that we have one of the richest cultures of the world."

"Lalon Mela 2010" includes a folk music competition among the bauls (Lalon singer), a musical concert with the participation of famous artists, a trade fair etc. Local sources expect the attendance of more than 100,000 visitors to the fair.

This gigantic fair was first organized 100 years ago, in the 3rd week of October, to observe the death anniversary of legendary Baul music king "Fakir Lalon Shah." Lalon Shah is the icon of baul music (a type of folk song) all over Bangladesh & India. He is considered to be the founder of the "Baul" songs.

After a hundred years of celebration, this event has now become a scope of reunion & entertainment for all sorts of people. To celebrate the 120th death anniversary of Lalon Shah, hundreds of bauls as well as hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country gathered at the lalon Complex.

Every year, the fair is organized on the eve of his birth anniversary at Kushtia. The shrine / akhra (the place where Lalon lived) is decorated colorfully during this occasion and thousands of his devotees from different places of the country gather here to celebrate the day. Singers of Lalon Academy with ektara and other musical instrument, perform Lalon’s song all through the night for five days. Lots of people join the crowd to enjoy the song of Lalon.
Lalon mela is a very traditional cultural festival of national importance.

VISITING MY HOME TOWN [DURGA PUJA]

2010-10-15T00:09:00.001-07:00

Before the puja celebration artists are busy making and decorating

Mother Durga (below).

Festival of Durga Puja

Durga Puja (‘Worship of Durga’) is an annual festival that celebrates worship of Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are set according to traditional Hindu calendar.

Durga Puja is not only the biggest Hindu festival, but also the most significant socio-cultural event in Bengali society. Durga Puja is also celebrated as a major festival in India and Nepal. Nowadays, many non-residential Bengali cultural organizations arrange for Durgotsab in the countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Kuwait etc. In 2006, a grand Durga Puja ceremony was held in the Great Court of the British Museum.

A Short Trip To Rajshahi

2010-10-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Teas Stall Beside The Road

Kids Fishing And Having Fun

River Crossing And Passengers

Art Work Behind The Rickshaw

Rajshai Zoo

Another Tea Stall. But It’s Quite Interesting. Instead Of Spoon The Guy Making Tea With Very Thin Iron Stick!

This Giant Tap Was Given To People Of Rajshahi From Queen Bhabani,

India

. Probably In British India Period. There Are Few More Taps In Various Places In Rajshashi City.

River Bank Of Padma

Village Tea Stall

Train Station

The Division of Rajshahi in the north-western corner of Bangladesh is bordered on the east by the mighty Jamuna River and the Padma/Ganges River on the south, and shares a disputed border with India to the north and west, making access to Gaud, one of the most interesting archaeological sites in all of Bengal, almost impossible. During Partition, the ancient capital of Gaur was split through the middle and now part of it lies in Bangladesh and part in India.

Rajshahi Division has an impressive collection of sites which are spread over a wide area. Rajshahi is a University town, the centre of the silk Industry, as well as being an important cultural centre. The Varendra Research Museum is an essential starting point as it contains a massive collection of artefacts related to the area. The building itself is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles of the eighth and ninth centuries with the prevailing British influence of the 1920s. Inside is one of the finest collections of black stone sculptures in the country.

VISITING MY HOME TOWN - KUSHTIA [COUNTRY LIFE]

2010-10-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

A Farmer - Returning Home

Village Road

Country Life

Cleaning Jute Tree

A Bridge, Made By Bamboo

A House (Tong House) For Watchman.

Who Watch Fishes Of The Lake.

Processing Jute By Hand

Country Life

Beautiful Country Side

Hand Made Vehicle For Goods

Collecting Lotus From The Pond

Hey you……

Girl Collecting Spinach For Feeding Her Family

Matchbox Labels

River Crossing

Washing Cloths

Back Home After Finished Shower

Lady Cooking

Fishing

A Family...

All photos were taken in my home town kushtia.

VISITING MY HOME TOWN - KUSHTIA [FUN]

2010-10-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

MY NEPHEW, HE IS AN ITEM

ALL COUSINS HAVING FUN

KOLI, COOKING FOR US

MY COUSIN SISTERS

MY BROTHER TINU

MUM'S NEW KITTEN - POTKA !!!!

ME, ME AND ME.....

COUSINS

LUNCH TIME....

JOURNEY BY BOAT...

VISITING MY HOME TOWN - KUSHTIA [MY SCHOOL]

2010-10-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

Shirajul Haque Muslim High School, Kushtia. I was student of this school only for two years. It was one of the best school in kushtia back then. There were lots of students, activities and fun all the time when I used to study there.

But I was so shocked to see my school this time. It’s just like a dead building standing as a witness of old days. I have heard not much students now days. Results became poor as well. Above all there is no good management. It’s really shame.

VISITING MY HOME TOWN - KUSHTIA [ KULFI MALAI]

2010-10-08T05:09:00.000-07:00

PLEASE CLICK ON PHOTO FOR LARGE VIEW

Kulfi malai! A home made cold dessert made by milk, sugar, salt and herbs. Normally served on banana leaf. Kulfi malai is incredibly delicious. It’s only my home town where you can get kulfi malai. Also my home town kushtia is famous for the kulfi malai as well.

After many years I had some kulfi. It was amazing.

VISITING MY HOME TOWN - KUSHTIA [Fakir Lalon Shah / ফকির লালন শাহ]

2010-10-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

LALAN FAKIR SHAH [BAUL SHOMRAT] THE EMPEROR OF THE BAULS:

CHEURIA, KUSHTIA, BANGLADESH

The tomb and shrine of Fakir Lalon Shah is located in Kushtia.It’s just about 15 minutes from my home in kushtia. I used to go the shrine a lot when I was kid. But this time I went there after long time approximately 25 years later. Things have changed lot. The whole shrine is very well protected and maintained nicely. Fakir Lalon Shah (ফকির লালন শাহ) also known as Lalon Shah c. 1774–1890, (Well, some are says Lalon left no trace of his birth or his 'origin' and remained silent about his past. Lalon sang, “People ask if Lalon Fakir is a Hindu or a Mussalman (Muslim). Lalon says he himself doesn’t know who he is.” Lalon does not fit into the construction of the so called 'bauls' or 'fakirs' as a mystical or spiritual types who deny all worldly affairs in desperate search for a mystical ecstasy of the soul) was a Bengali philosopher poet.

His poetry, articulated in songs (Lalon Geeti / লালন গীতি), are considered classics of the Bangla language. Fakir Lalon Shah lived in the village of Cheuria in the area known as Nadia in
the Bengal Presidency of British India, corresponding to the district of Kushtia
in present-day Bangladesh.

Fakir Lalon Shah / ফকির লালন শাহ

The details of Lalon's early life are made controversial mainly by urban-educated scholars representing communal tendencies among both Hindu and Muslim writers.

Lalon also recorded very little information about himself. As a result, accounts of Lalon's life are sites of speculative communal claims that have remained till today contradictory and unverifiable.
The tomb and shrine of Fakir Lalon Shah

Salam Shah, a Lalon fan and a Lalon (Lalon song) singer. His entire life has dedicated to Lalon song. He lives in shrine of Fakir Lalon Shah too. >

MY HOME TOWN - KUSHTIA [PHOTOGRAPHY]

2010-10-08T03:30:00.000-07:00

Last two months I am visiting my home town kushtia. It’s been long time I didn’t go there. So luckily I had a chance to spend a long vacation there. All the photos were taken in kushtia.

THANK YOU COUSINS...

2010-09-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

NILUFA CHONDA, KUSHTIA

KOLLOL AHMED, NY

MATCHBOXES AND LABELS..

2010-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

BANK NOTE PRINT MATCHBOXES

LABELS: FINLAND

LABELS: AUSTRALIA

LABELS: SWITZERLAND

OLD LABELS: SWEDEN

CURTSY: ROMAN ADAMCZYK

COURTSY: V NOSEL

LABELS AROUND THE WORLD

COURTSY: HANS EVERINK

MATCHBOX AND MATCHBOOKS

2010-09-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

CURTSY: JACQUES DEWULF

CURTSY: LIBOR EISELT

CURTSY: SANDI NOVINEC

CURTSY: STEVEN SMITH

MY NEW HOBBY

2010-08-22T01:10:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!!
It’s just my very new hobby, collecting empty toothpaste packets. Any size, any brand and from any country. I am very happy because, already my friends has start sending me. And Steven was first among them. Who sent me two packets from Thailand.
So my dear friends, from now please do not throw away your empty toothpaste packet. I’ll very much appreciate that, if you kindly send me your empty toothpaste packets. It will help me to increase my collection.

Thank you,

A GIFT FROM CHILE

2010-08-22T01:05:00.000-07:00

Curtsy: Roberto Back

I would like to give a special thanks to Roberto Back, my new friend from Chile. Thank you for sending me all those lovely matchboxes, bank note and phone cards. Really appreciate that and I am very happy to add some more new matchboxes in my collection.

TV INTERVIEW

2010-08-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

BRYANT AND MAYS

2010-08-22T00:58:00.000-07:00

CURTSY: STEVEN SMITH, ENGLAND

Thank you Steven. I always like Bryant and Mays matchboxes and labels! All the labels are beautiful and new to my collection. Thank you so much. Oh! thanks for the toothpaste packet as well.

CURTSY: ALEX NOVIKOVSKI, RUSSIA

GREAT FRIENDS...

2010-08-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

CURTSY: SOUVIK MUKHERJEE, INDIA

CURTSY: SHUMON, ITALY

CURTSY: ABHISHEK MALLIK, INDIA

CURTSY: VALERY NOSAL, RUSSIA

CURTSY: ALEXEI YAKOVLEY, RUSSIA

CURTSY: PARVEZ ALI ANWAR KHAN, DHAKA

CURTSY: LIKHOBABIN ALEXANDER, RUSSIA

CURTSY: RAHAT. ENGLAND

CURTSY: ROMAN ADAMCZYK, GERMANY

CURTSY: STEVEN SMITH, ENGLAND

VISITING MATCH FACTORY- BANGLADESH

2010-08-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. HARTONO SOEPRAYOGI, MR. SUGENG AND MR. ABDUL ALIM

A BIG STAR

2010-07-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

This is my uncle Zinna Huq. An artist and a great person. Basically he is a writer, producer and director of stage drama. He is winner of many awards but all his life he spends in Kushtia. Our home town. He never likes big city and crowded. He likes to live around nature and birds. He’s got blood cancer. He knows that his life getting shorter.

I went to visit him last week. He was so cool as if nothing happened. My uncle gave me some matchboxes and some lighters. He likes whatever I do. He’s writing a drama. Probably it will be the last drama. I don’t know. I am waiting for a miracle. Because if anything happen I’ll miss him very much.

The world still needs people like him.

He is a big star!

MATCHBOXES FROM INDIA

2010-07-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

Beautiful miniature matchboxes and labels from India.
Thank you Dr. Sannyal. They are beautiful.

A GIFT FROM ENGLAND

2010-07-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

BIG BOX

PLASTIC MATCHBOXES FROM GERMANY

REDHEADS MATCH

BRYANT & MAY

WOODEN MATCHBOXES

VARIOUS SIZE BOOK MATCHES

PUBS, HOTELS AND BUSINESS

AKHTAR, ENGLAND

Collection of matchboxes and matchbooks between the mid seventies and early eighties. From

England

America

Sweden

France

Greece

Germany

, Finland,

Spain

Tunisia

Italy

Australia

Malta

. Some are from businesses local to the Bristol area, many of which no longer exist or have changed names, as well as several supermarket boxes such as Gateway, Fine Fare and other brands no longer in circulation.

Very special thanks to Akhtar bhai. My good friend and ex boss in London. Thank you for the awesome gift Akhtar bhai. Akhtar is a great person. He supports me lot. Not only in my collection, he had great contribution in my photography as well. I still remember those days Akhtar bhai when you and I used to go for long ride with my camera. Such a great time. I still miss the gorleston beach and pavilion theatre.

Hope to meet you soon again akhtar bhai. Thank you once again.

THANK YOU GREAT FRIENDS...

2010-06-24T00:44:00.000-07:00

100 Set of Steam locomotive, 1st Series

Curtsy: Steven Smith, England

Matchboxes

Curtsy: Jacques Dewulf, Belgium

Skillets and Labels

Curtsy: Roman Adamczyk, Germany

Matchbox Labels- The Netherlands

Curtsy: F.A. van der Vlugt, The Netherlands

Matchboxes and Labels
Curtsy: Yogesh Maralkar, India

A GIFT FROM JAKARTA....

2010-06-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

MR. HARTONO

MATCHBOXES FROM INDONESIA

Thank you brother Hartono, for bring all those lovely matchboxes and the bank note all the way from Jakarta. They are absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much indeed. Every single matchbox is new addition for my collection every time. It could not have been possible without the support of friends like you.

I am blessed because I have some really good friends like you. I have to mention their golden names every time.
Thank you once again my friend!

NEW LOOK...

2010-06-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

OLD BACKGROUND

Hi friends,

What do you think of the new look and background of my blog?

Well its not my design. It’s a ready made template from the blooger.

But I liked it. Oh! By the way I am moving my photography site to blogger.

I am working on it. You can see the new section shortly.

Have a good day my friends.

THANK YOU YAAR MANOJ...

2010-06-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

I would like to give a special thanks to Manoj Sanolker, my newest collector friend from India. He is such a great young collector. The contents he sent me are just beautiful. Certainly it will add a new addition to my collection.

Thank you so very much manoj. It’s very nice and kind of you.

THANK YOU SANDI...

2010-06-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

CURTSY: Sandi Novinec, Slovenija/Europe

Thank you Sandi. You are always great :-)
All the matchboxes are beautiful.

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN STEVEN SMITH

2010-06-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

CURTSY: STEVEN SMITH, ENGLAND
Hi Steven, thank you once again for all those lovely labels. They are beautiful.

MATCHBOXES AND LABELS

2010-06-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

MATCHBOXES FROM BANGLADESH

MATCHBOX LABELS: IRAN 1900

DUTCH MATCHBOXES

COPY CAT

2010-06-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

MADE IN BANGLADESH

MADE IN INDIA

EUROPE

TOP: MADE IN INDONESIA

BOTTOM: MADE IN BANGLADESH

GULLIVER AND LILLIPUT

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THE MATCH STICKS ?

2010-05-26T07:26:00.001-07:00

David Mach created this unique, 3D model of Elvis Presley out of 50,000 match sticks. The painstaking process took over 500 man hours to complete. Luckily for him the hard work paid off when it sold for £18,000.

THESE ARE AMAZING SCULPTURES MADE COMPLETELY OUT OF MATCH STICKS BY ARTIST DAVID MACH

THANK YOU RAHAT

2010-05-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

EMBROIDERY MATCHBOX

3D MATCHBOX

MATCHBOXES, SKILLETS, COVERS AND LABELS FROM ENGLAND, FINLAND, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, CHINA, HONG KONG, ESTONIA, SPAIN, FRENCH, ITALY, BELGIUM, HOLLAND, CZECH REPUBLIC, USSR, GREECE, SWEDEN AND MORE….

Curtsy: Rahat, England

Thank you very much Rahat for sending the magnificent gift. It’s very nice of you. I really appreciate that. It’s needless to say these items will make my collection richer.

Thank you once again.

MORE CONTRIBUTION

2010-05-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

MATCHBOXES FROM INDIA

CURTSY: SOUVIK MUKHERJEE, KOLKATA, INDIA

BRASIL

GERMANY

PORTUGAL

MATCHBOX LABELS: GERMANY

MATCHBOX LABELS: SWEDEN

CURTSY: JOAO VENDA [MATCHBOX COLLECTOR] PORTUGAL

MATCHBOXES FROM BANGLADESH

CURTSY: BULBUL AHMED

MATCHBOXES FROM CHINA, INDIA

CURTSY: ONE MY SPECIAL FRIEND. WHO DOESN’T

WISH TO MENTION HIS NAME THIS TIME.

WITH LOVE FROM JAKARTA

2010-05-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you my dear sister Aya. You just made my day today by sending me all these beautiful matchboxes all the away from Indonesia. They are simply great. I love them.

I am also sorry to give you trouble. But I can’t stop myself. As you know I am addicted to matchboxes.

May Allah bless you my sister.

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN MR ALIM

2010-05-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you very much for help Mr. Alim. You are a very helpful person and kind. All of your items are superb! And certainly they add a new section in my collection. Hope to see you soon again.

My best wishes to you.

THANK YOU MR HARTONO SOEPRAYOGI

2010-05-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr Hartono,

Thank you very much indeed for giving me the beautiful bank notes from Indonesia. Really appreciate that. Bank notes and matchboxes are always valuable to me for my collection. I always love them.

Thanks for the coffee again and nice meeting you too!

THANK YOU FRAKTER SERGEI

2010-05-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you Frakter Sergei from Israel. Thank you for sending me all these lovely matchboxes, matchbox cover and labels. They are beautiful. I liked them very much.

I wish you all the best.
Cheers.

MORE GIFT...

2010-05-14T22:49:00.001-07:00

CURTSY : MR ABDUL ALIM SARKER

DHAKA

MATCHBOX FROM NEPAL

CURTSY: RASHED NABI COUWDHURY

DHAKA

CURTSY: TINU HUQ, DHAKA

পহেলা বৈশাখ ১৪১৭

2010-04-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

পহেলা বৈশাখ 1417

BENGALI NEW YEAR 1417

মংগল শোভাযাত্রা
BENGALI NEW YEAR RALLY. ORGANISED BY STUDENTS OF ART COLLEGE, DHAKA.

GIRL'S DANCING

MAN BEHIND THE MASK!!

2010-04-30T03:03:00.000-07:00

He is always behind the mask. But there is an awesome man with big heart lives behind That mask! He is my buddy Mario Alberto, I called him Man behind the mask! I never met any one like him Who is always so gentle and kind. We Been friends for more then three years now. We never met in real life But We Have That proved even on the internet people can get closer. We are always buddy and keep in touch. I am proud to Be his friend.

Thank you Mario for sending the beautiful matchboxes from Mexico. You know how I feel about matchboxes. They Are all the always special to me. They are bit unusual size as well. Which I liked most. They are lovely. Thank you once again my friend.

ONE AND ONLY LOIDA :-/)

2010-04-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here is LOIDA the great! My beautiful friend from the Philippines. Loida not only my friend she is my well wisher as well. She supports me all the time even though we far away. She always proves that distance is not a matter for friendship. Loida is very funny (queen of jokes), friendly and helpful. That is why she is heart of all friends.

Thank you very much for the matchboxes Loida. They are great, fantastic!

I liked them very much. You just added some Filipino spices in my collection.

Thank you one more time Loida for your great contribution. Beside our friendship I’ll be especially grateful to you.

Hugs.

THANK YOU JOAO

2010-04-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you very much my friend Joao from Portugal.

Thank you for the lovely matchboxes and the labels.

They are lovely as always. Beside my collection it’s getting knowledge as well.

Every time I learn more about different country, culture and of course the matchboxes.

Thank you once again for your contribution. I wish you all the best.

MATCH MANIAC

2010-04-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE GREAT SANDI !!!

2010-04-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sandi Novinec, for sending me all those lovely matchboxes all the way from Slovenia. They are beautiful. I always love them. Yes, you have rewarded me as you promised. I was very happy when the post man gave me the kilo parcel. Well you must know the feelings.

Your contributions certainly help to increase my collection. Thank you once again my friend. I’ll be grateful to you.

DESTINY CELEBRATION

2010-04-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

THE DESTINY DAILY

Beside my main job I do mlm [multi level marketing] business with Destiny 2000 ltd. The leading sales and marketing company in Bangladesh. I am very new in business this but i am doing well with my associates and my team leader's help. This is the celebration program held at Our net office Alighor House,Dhaka where eleven of us has received the award for cycle achievement.
DESTINY 2000 LTD

MAKING MATCHBOX :-)

2010-03-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

John Walker (29 May 1781 – 1 May 1859) was an English from Stockton-on-Tees, who in 1826 accidentally invented the friction match by mixing potassium chlorate and antimony sulfide.

Match and tin tack box making london 1900

Assembling match box at home 1960 Photo:John Galt

LONDON: Matchbox- Makers at Bow, 1871 [Drawing}

Making matchboxes - 90's

Me - Making matchboxes - 2010

RED RED !! COOL COOL !!

2010-03-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hi guys... melon juice for you.

mmmmmmm It's really cool!

ENJOY :-)

FORGIVE ME SNOWBALL

2010-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

SNOWBALL

THE DAY HE WAS BORN

HIS OTHER SISTERS

DAY SEVEN

THE DAY HE OPENED HIS EYES

PLAYING WITH HIS BROTHER PANDA

SNOWBALL AND HIS SISTER

I don’t know how to start. I am very sad. My Snowball died yesterday. Snowball was so innocent, gentle, loving and gorgeous. But some cruel people killed him badly. I don’t know why yet. He was only less than one year. I see him from the day one. He was a different cat and very fond of me. He used to sit on my lap when I am at home and used to sleep on my chair. But my chair is empty now. No one will play around me ever.

I feel so guilty, because yesterday I went out and nobody was at home as well. So I left him out. But I never thought I’ll never see snowball again. My poor little Snowball, It’s my entire fault.

He used to jump on me when I come from work. Lick my fingers. He used to talk to me as if he knows that I understand him. I can’t believe that Snowball will never come back again. Everything is so empty without snowball. We’ll never forget you snowball and you’ll be in our heart always.

Dear people, please never kill any snowball again. They are harmless, they are innocent. PLEASE BE KIND ON THEM. THEY ARE VERY ADORABLE.

Thank You Alexander Pyshkin

2010-03-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you so very much Mr. Alexander Pyshkin from Russia, for sending me all the colourful and gorgeous Russian matchboxes, matchbox cover and the labels. I was very surprised when I open the parcel. It was beautifully packed and every single items looking brand new and the subjects on covers were interesting. Alexander’s collections are very well maintained. Once I asked him ‘how long you have been collecting matchboxes’? He answered me ‘its more then 50 years’! Wow! This is really amazing, living matching matchbox with 5o years.

But I wish more then that. I want to collect matchboxes another 100 years. I just love all the little boxes. Alexander, Hans everink or striven smith they are all very great collector. Someday I want to be like them.

Thank you once again Alexander for your interest and contribution in my collection. I wish you all the best and I’ll be grateful to you.

MATCHBOX LABELS FROM CZECH REPUBLIC

2010-03-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you very much Roman Baros from Czech Republic. Thank you for your contribution in my matchbox collection. As you know I am a new matchbox collector. All of your matchbox labels are lovely. I always love them and they are always valuable to me.

Once again many thanks and I’ll be grateful to you.

D PAVEMENT

2010-03-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

D pavements a new Thai & Chinese restaurant opens on last December 2009 in Dhaka.

It’s just near by my residence. We went to try their food for the very first time. It was a great disappointment as I am a food lover and a critic.

I worked in food industry for eight years in England. I met many great chefs around the world and Thai & Chinese are my favorite food. My dad used to take us to various Chinese restaurants in Dhaka when I was kid.My dad also was a food lover. That time the food was just delicious with proper flavor and unique.

I can remember most of the restaurants were run by Thai and Chinese people, and chefs as well. But we can’t see them any more.

They recommended us the steamboat soup. It was just disgusting, Nasty creamy. The mixed fried rice was sticky. On the other hand they were very expensive!! There is no art and style in the cooking. It’s just like some dishes with garnish on the table.

I never wish to go there again but I feel sad we are losing the real taste of food.

STEAM BOAT SOUP

MIXED FRIED RICE

FRIED CHICKEN

SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN

CHICKEN SIZZLING

MY PLATE

EKUSHEY FEBRUARY 2010

2010-03-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS PLEASE CLICK HERE.

MANY THANKS TO ROBIUL ISLAM

2010-02-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

I would like to give special thanks to my very newest friend and a great collector Mr. Robiul Islam. It was such a pleasure to meet him. Basically he is a coin collector. Well as I have seen part of his collection and I’ll say it’s huge like a mini treasure.

I have been collecting bank notes from long time. Normally I do worldwide bank notes. But I didn’t have good collection of Bangladeshi banknotes [I was out of country for long time]. Even though I am a Bangladeshi. Such a shame!

Mr. Robi just encourages me to collect Bangladeshi bank note as well. But I never thought one day he’ll come along with lots of Bangladeshi bank notes and gave them to me! I have to mention some thing here; he’s not only a collector. He also study quite lot on paper money. He made a complete volume of Bangladeshi bank notes, with every single detail. Which very remarkable and very helpful for other collector.

I never met any collector like him before. Who is very passionate, helpful and kind to his fellow collectors? I wish him all the best and thanks once again for increasing my Bangladeshi bank notes collection.

পথ চলা...।

2010-02-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

কখনো জানতে চেয়না
কি আমার সুখ
কি আমার বেদনা…।

LUNCH TIME

2010-01-29T23:04:00.000-08:00

2.30 PM

SILK ROUTE IS BACK ON THE AIR !!!

2010-01-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW SILKROUTE

Joanna and I have teamed up again to revive Silk Route and make it the top photography group in Zorpia. We are calling out to all our members.

We have been busy the past days to refresh the look of the group. Please come and have a look at the new Silk Route Group. Everyone, feel free to share your latest albums and videos. Post them to the appropriate sections. The Topics are again open for questions, discussion, input, fun and games not only about photopgrahy.
Old members please feel free to invite friends who share our common interest in photograhy to visit our page and to join the group.
Together we can make Silk Route the best group in Zorpia. We count on your help.
Thank you.

সংগোপনে…

2010-01-24T01:24:00.001-08:00

ভাললাগা, ভীষণ ভাললাগা
আজ মন ছুঁয়ে যায়।
ঝড় ওঠে আজ আমার মনে
প্রসন্ন নীরবতায়…

ভাললাগা, ভীষণ ভাললাগা
আজ মন ছুঁয়ে যায়।
হৃদয়ে আজ ওঠে কাপন
বিষন্ন নির্জনতায়…

ভাললাগা, ভীষণ ভাললাগা
আজ মন ছুঁয়ে যায়।
স্নিগ্ধ সুর পাগল করে
অরণ্যে বাজে সাঁনাই…

রঙের মেলায় দেখেছিলাম বায়েস্কপ…।।

2010-01-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

HANDMADE BAISCOPE

BAISCOPE MAN SINGING

পুতুল নাচ [PUTUL NACH] / HANDMADE DANCING DALLS

বহু বছর পর আজ আবার বায়েস্কপ দেখে, আমার মনে পরে যায় সেই দূরন্ত শৈশব. স্কুল পালানো দুপুরে সেই রঙ্গিন মানুষটির হাতের ঝন ঝনানি. কাগজের পাতায় রঙ্গিন ছায়াছবি আমার সেই প্রথম দেখা.
বৃত্তের মাঝে চোখ রেখে দেখতাম রাজ্জাক, শাবানা থেকে শুরু করে বুড়িগঙ্গা অবধি. আর রঙ্গিন মানুষটি নেচে যাচ্ছে নৃত্তের তালে তালে. চমৎকার একটি অনুভূতি কাজ করত মনের মাঝে. মনে হত সেই বায়েস্কপর মাঝেই আমার বসবাস.

যান্ত্রিক জীবনের এই ভীড়ে আজ আমরা সেই সব দিন গুলো হারিয়ে ফেলেছি.
শুধু আর একটিবার যদি ফিরে যেতে পারতাম সেই হাড়ানো শৈশবে ....

THANK YOU STEVEN SMITH

2010-01-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you very much Steven Smith. Many thanks for sending me all those lovely matchbox labels [274nos.] all the way from England without any hesitation. I really appreciate that. All the labels are lovely and they are definitely helping me to increase my collection. I’ll be grateful to you and I wish you all the best. Thank you once again.

COOKIES FROM ZURICH

2009-12-30T00:07:00.001-08:00

Nothing much to say about Joanna. She is a very special lady in my life and for ever. All the way from Zurich she sends me her hand made cookies and some matchboxes.

It’s my Christmas and New Year gift from Joanna. The cookies are delicious and beautifully made and designed. I didn’t know that she can make cookies that good:-)

Well, Joanna is very talent. I have lot to learn from her. I like the way she thinks, writes and make things creative. She is a good photographer as well.

I love and respect Joanna for few reasons,

she always admire my work and
give me support all the time.
This is very important for me.
And we always share our view.

I am very proud have a special lady like Joanna.

She is really great!

MATCHBOXES DESIGN BY ME

2009-12-08T02:53:00.000-08:00

SNOW AND ME...

2009-11-28T01:25:00.000-08:00

Finally we have the winter in Dhaka now.

Last year this time I was in Kent in England.. I used to live in a small village called Hampstead. Just a simple village. Nothing special. There was only one shop and a pub. Little far there was a shopping mall as well. That's it. But mostly I remember gorleston on sea in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and Wood bridge in Suffolk. Gorleston is my all time favourite. I used to live near the beach. It was really really cold. And Wood bridge for the lovely people, landscape gardens and houses.

I love winter. I love snow. I wish we have snow in Bangladesh! don't know when I'll go to England again. Eight years, its a long time. Lots of memories.

I really miss England!

Thank You Mr Hans Everink

2009-11-26T01:03:00.000-08:00

Just few days ago I was searching some matchboxes and matchbox labels collectors’ site in the internet. I found few only. But Mr. Hans Everink from Netherlands surprised me.

He has about 370.000 different items from 169 different countries. It’s a huge collection indeed. I emailed to him, if he would like to swap or help me to increase my collection. He replied me next day and asked my address so that he could send me matchboxes and labels for me. I think he works much and talk less! Today I got the parcel from him. He sends me more then 100 items. It was amazing. I liked them all. We don’t know each other but he gave me quite lot and treated me like a collector. This will help me to increase my matchboxes collection and inspire me as well.

I will always remember Mr Hans everink for his contribution in my matchbox collection. He’s such a gentleman and a great collector.

I wish him all the best.

BANGLADESHI MATCHBOXES

2009-11-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Recently I have started designing matchboxes cover. Well I am a matchbox collector as well. I collect matchbox from my childhood. I was eight or nine years old that time. I used to look at the hand painted matchbox cover labels. I used to collect them from the street or my dad’s throw out matchboxes.

That time in Bangladesh matchboxes used to make by very thin pieces of wood and paper label on top. I imagine that the old matchboxes were collectible because each label was very colourful and the subject was simple but eye catching. Above all the matchbox title.

I had a very good collection of Bangladeshi matchboxes. But some how I lost my whole lot and stop collecting. Those matchboxes are really rare now. I am very doubtful many Phillumenists have them in Bangladesh. I miss my old matchboxes very much.

After long time gap I have started collecting matchboxes again. I study and research a lot about world history of matchboxes. Every time I surprised because from the beginning matchboxes was not only a matchbox itself. It was a piece art, a huge propaganda on a little box or a big billboard in your hand. There were so many things and messages on a small box.

Now day’s matchboxes design in Bangladesh is very poor. They just don’t care. Recently I went to a leading matchbox company with some creative idea. I don’t think so they liked. They just want something straight. As if it’s not a big deal. Fire box is just a fire box only. But they requested me to do some design for them. Well I did some but I am not happy with my design. They are not my type. Very commercial design. Nothing creative there. I have submited my design two days ago. Didn't get any result yet. Let's see.

Right now I am planning to do an exhibition with my 1000 handmade matchboxes. I am working on it. Few of the designs are based on soviet Russia, Japan and Czech era.

I am very much inspired by that period.

I don’t know if anyone will care about

those a hundred years from now!

Bangladeshi Matchboxes

INDIA TRIP

2009-10-14T01:16:00.000-07:00

mini gangstar V ninja...

2009-09-17T03:23:00.000-07:00

food lover...

2009-09-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

tea time...

2009-09-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

I drink tea a lot. Milk but no sugar. Coffee? Very rare... Don’t like coffee. Too strong for me. Tried tea from many Asian countries. But my favorites are Bangladeshi, Chinese and English tea!