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Beauty Boarding: A Historic Literary Hub in Old Dhaka

Explore Beauty Boarding in Old Dhaka: A historic literary hub offering traditional Bengali cuisine and a glimpse into the city's cultural past.

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Beauty Boarding, located in Old Dhaka's Bangla Bazar, is a historic residence and restaurant that once served as a gathering place for Bengali authors, poets, and intellectuals. Today, it's a popular spot for traditional Bengali cuisine and a glimpse into the city's cultural past.

A brief summary to Beauty Boarding

Local tips

  • Try the *shorshe ilish*, a famous dish of Beauty Boarding, for a taste of authentic Bengali cuisine.
  • Explore the surrounding Bangla Bazar, Dhaka's largest publication and book market.
  • Visit during lunchtime to experience the bustling atmosphere and enjoy a traditional Bengali meal.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Bahadur Shah Victoria Park, walk towards Banglabazar. Ask locals for directions to Shris Das Lane; Beauty Boarding is located at number 1. The building is yellow and has a billboard. Walking from Victoria Park will take approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to Gulistan. From Gulistan, transfer to a bus heading towards Bahadur Shah Victoria Park. From there, follow the walking directions to Shris Das Lane. Bus fares typically range from BDT 10-50 depending on the distance and type of bus.

  • Rickshaw

    From anywhere in Old Dhaka, a rickshaw is a convenient option. Tell the rickshaw puller you want to go to Beauty Boarding in Banglabazar, Shris Das Lane. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a short ride should cost around BDT 20-30.

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Discover more about Beauty Boarding

Beauty Boarding, situated in the heart of Old Dhaka's Bangla Bazar, is more than just a restaurant and boarding house; it's a living testament to the city's rich literary and cultural history. Originally a zamindar's house owned by Shudheer Das, the building later housed the office of the daily newspaper *Sonar Bangla*. In 1951, Nalini Mohon Saha transformed it into Beauty Boarding, named after his eldest daughter. Beauty Boarding quickly became a haven for intellectuals, poets, writers, and artists. Renowned poet Nirmalendu Goon lived here for almost five years, and many famous works were created within its walls. Even Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, is said to have visited before the country's liberation. The building's architecture, featuring an open central courtyard and long verandas, creates a tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. However, Beauty Boarding's history is also marked by tragedy. During the 1971 Liberation War, the Pakistani army attacked the boarding house, killing Prahlad Saha and several others. Despite this, Beauty Boarding has persevered, continuing to serve traditional Bengali cuisine and offering a space to reflect on the city's vibrant past. Today, visitors can enjoy classic dishes served on steel plates and glasses, evoking a sense of nostalgia and culinary heritage.

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