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Kumortuli

Kumortuli in Kolkata

The narrow, dingy lanes packed with partly crafted idols, the

Kumortuli in Kolkata

The narrow, dingy lanes packed with partly crafted idols, the

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What's New

Latest readings for today

Metropolis Musings
Editorial

Towns, cities and metropoles tend to become integral parts of the people who inhabit them.

Kumortuli
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Kumortuli in Kolkata

The narrow, dingy lanes packed with partly crafted idols, the scent of mud and clay, and the artists working all day and night feels like

Short Story
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Fitting In

Aunt Veda’s silver saree shimmered as she danced, whiskey in hand, while I hid behind my book, quietly watching. Writes Ishani Chowdhury...

The Pomegranate & The Promise
Editorial: The Pomegranate & The Promise- Vol: 2

The mini-saga, as a form of fiction, was invented by British science fiction writer Brian Aldiss and popularised by The Daily Telegraph in the 1980s.

Leo Tolstoy
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Video: Leo Tolstoy – Birthday Tribute

Tolstoy’s works remain timeless and influential. His novels and philosophical writings continue to be read and studied worldwide. Birthday Tribute to Leo Tolstoy...

The Costume
The Costume

Like moulted skin, Kaelin’s discarded costume lay on the floor. His reflection in the mirror held no resemblance to the ‘WANTED’ posters.

Loyalty
Loyalty

On 8 August 1942, one shot, point blank. The loyal student ensured the professor rested in peace without him suspecting a thing.

Editorial: The Pomegranate & The Promise- Vol: 2

The mini-saga, as a form of fiction, was invented by British science fiction writer Brian Aldiss and popularised by The Daily Telegraph in the 1980s.

The Refund
The Refund

“You’re the perfect host,” the doll whispered as Rajesh kissed its rosy cheek goodnight. He recoiled saying, “No – I’ll kill myself!”

The Return
The Return

Wishing for her late husband’s return, Emma blew out the candles – her nightly ritual. Suddenly, her bedroom door creaked open.

The Presence
The Presence

The old clock struck midnight. A nervous Lydia stood before the mirror in her dimly lit room, whispering the forbidden name.

The Echo
The Echo

He pulled the woman from the edge of the bridge. “No one left,” she sobbed, echoing his late mother’s words.

The Thank-you Note
The Thank-you Note

One day, I froze suddenly – the handwriting in that letter was identical to the daughter’s suicide note.

The Gunshot
The Gunshot

They burst in, anxious, only to find the nervous old man before his TV muttering, “Actions films scare the hell out of me, help me

The April Fool
The April Fool

Jake was ecstatic at Lily’s early morning message, “Moving to your city.” Her second message an hour later, “April Fool,” shattered his joy beyond repair.

Identity
Identity

After a successful heart transplant, Martha drifted into consciousness to her husband’s unexpectedly chilling words: “A stranger’s heart beats within my wife.”

The Care
The Care

Each morning, Karan wakes in his lonely flat to half a glass of milk and two sandwiches. His ironed shirts and polished shoes gleam with

The Moment
The Moment

All she wanted was to stretch her perfect four years longer. She wasn’t ready to let their laughter fade into memory.

The Report
The Report

Arun’s trembling hands couldn’t open the biopsy report. ‘Stage four,’ he was certain. A sudden, searing pain tore through his chest.

The Promise
The Promise

Luke, without medical insurance, mortgaged his house to fund his open-heart surgery. Mark, his idealistic friend, scoffed, “I’d rather die active – sixty’s the perfect

Pomgenerate& The promise_Anthology_Sacaria_joseph_VB
Editorial: The Pomegranate & The Promise

The mini-saga, as a form of fiction, was invented by British science fiction writer Brian Aldiss and popularised by The Daily Telegraph in the 1980s.

Pomegranate_Oishik_karmakar_Anthology_24.06.2025_VB
,
The Pomegranate

“Murder! Murder!” cried a woman in horror, standing over a bleeding man in a shadowy lane.

Reviews

Essential readings for today

Adolescence
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Adolescence: The Anatomy of a Teenage Tragedy

Adolescence, directed by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, on Netflix and decided to stop using heart emojis entirely.

Throns in My Quilt_ Review_Jeal Silliman_VB
Thorns in My Quilt: Letters from A Daughter to her Father

Thorns in My Quilt, was published late in 2024. It is presented in the form of a series of letters.

One Hundred Years of Solitude
Memories of Macondo and the Inevitable Mist: Notes on the Adaptation of ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’

I am struck by how García Márquez politicizes this very ephemera, challenging the White Man’s systematic dismissal of the history of the colonized.

Poetry
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A POETIC EXPLORATION THAT GOES BEYOND THE CORE

The poet in this volume of poetry confesses with a heart that’s evocative and dressed by sighs.

Zinaichi Korean Literature_Cover_Mayumi Yamamoto
Recognizing Zainichi Korean Literature in Japanese

They are not only victims of colonial history; their identity (or identities) is much more complicated and diversified.

Shivani Yadav Butter Book Review Cover
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‘Butter’: A Delectable Thriller That Serves Up More Than Murder

The novel is a gritty analysis of modern-day Japan and how its capitalist structures have shaped sexism in that society.

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Adolescence: The Anatomy of a Teenage Tragedy

Adolescence, directed by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, on Netflix and decided to stop using heart emojis entirely.

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History & Heritage

Essential readings for today

Weaving
Celebrating Women and Weaving through Songs

Women have always done the preparatory work like spinning of the yarn as part of the work leading up to the final weaving.

Kabir Deb Language Cover
The Broken Body of a Province, The Fallen Voices of Its People

Our cultural dementia makes an entire nation isolate a particular region since its fight has been deliberately suppressed to enhance the delusion of peace.

Sandipa Malakar Chinese New Year Cover
Chinese New Year Celebration in Kolkata

The celebration is not just a festival, it’s a vibrant expression of tradition and culture.

Pijus Ash Kalpataru Tree Cover
The Tree that Grants Wishes: Legend of the Kalpataru

Essentially, Kalpataru is a tree conjured into existence by human desire and belief.

Sandipa Malakar Ganga Sagar Mela Cover
Ganga Sagar Mela: A Colourful Mosaic of Humanity

Where the holy Ganga meets the sea, faith blossoms under vibrant skies, uniting hearts at the serene Ganga Sagar Mela.

Nirmalya_Feature_somjit sarod_cover
Preserving The Heritage of “Radhu Babu”- Sarod Artist Somjit Dasgupta

Somjit Dasgupta aims to protect and preserve Radhu Babu’s traditional wealth of instruments and his passion for music.

Celebrating Women and Weaving through Songs

Women have always done the preparatory work like spinning of the yarn as part of the work leading up to the final weaving.

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Transcreation

Essential readings for today

Firefly
,
Firefly or Minuku Hulu by ManjuNayak Challuru

I should collect all the chits from these people so I can calculate the amount of pain in the world.

John Taylor_Franca Mancinelli_Altar at the Sea_Updatede Cover
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At the Altar of the Sea

Franca Mancinelli’s poems, in John Taylor’s translation render the ordinary, the natural, many-hued and wondrous.

Ajir Kutty Bus Stop Poem Cover
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The Bus Stop at Kandanassery and Other Poems

The poignant poems of Rafeeq Ahmed, deftly translated, touch the veins of village life at Kerala, negotiating constantly between tradition and modernity.

Anuradha Dosad Creator of Fate 2 Cover
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Creator of Fate

In this second part, we glance at Deepti’s resilience in keeping her dreams alive in a hostile familial environment.

Anuradha Dosad The Creator of Fate 1 Cover
The Creator of Fate

This story in translation sheds light on the trails of the evils of the dowry system. Read the first part of this poignant tale.

John Taylor_Beatrice Douvre_Cover_IC
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Selected Poems from Béatrice Douvre’s ‘Prisms’

Douvre’s poems are short moments on the surface of life, scattered like breaths over observations both searing and bright.

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Firefly or Minuku Hulu by ManjuNayak Challuru

I should collect all the chits from these people so I can calculate the amount of pain in the world.

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Fiction and Poetry

Essential readings for today

Rabindranath Tagore
The last Flames: A Play

A play based on Rabindranath Tagore and BAsanta Koomar Roy, a US based journalist and author.

Our Old Selves

Short poem by Oishika Ray

Uncut Poetry : Calcutta – A Lover’s Epitaph

The city of Kolkata has seeped deep into Suni Bhandari making inroads into his soul. His poetry is a mere reflection of his relationship with

The Dowry (Tagore translated)

They demanded ten thousand rupees and a large number of gifts as a dowry.

Poems to Treasure

Vikram Seth became my path finder and made me the poet I am today.

The Catskill Mountains by Vir

Vir Sen paints the Catskill Mountains he visited during a recent vacation.

A storm at Sea
,
I Will Cross the Sea of Desires

Translated by Hindol Bhattacharjee from the Bengali song by Tagore. The original song was composed at Santiniketan, in 1922. I will cross the sea of

Image courtesy he busy.org
Ilish Mach: From Bone To Hamstring…

Apparently we've all originated from a fish. But that as fate would have it, it was a fish that ruined my day.

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Fitting In

Aunt Veda’s silver saree shimmered as she danced, whiskey in hand, while I hid behind my book, quietly watching. Writes Ishani Chowdhury...

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Cartoons

Space Cartoon

Hey diddle diddle, we have a problem.

Videos

Essential readings for today

Leo Tolstoy
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Video: Leo Tolstoy – Birthday Tribute

Tolstoy’s works remain timeless and influential. His novels and philosophical writings continue to be read and studied worldwide. Birthday Tribute to Leo Tolstoy...

Maria Montessori
,
Video: Remembering Maria Montessori – Birthday Tribute

She became the first female doctor in Italy in 1896. She focused on psychiatry and often visited asylums. There, she met children with disabilities who

Usain Bolt
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Video: Fastest Man Alive – Usain Bolt

His path was not smooth. Injuries and doubts slowed him down in the early years. Some critics thought he was lazy or undisciplined. But Bolt

Jim Corbett
,
Video: Champion of Tigers – Jim Corbett

He co-founded Asia’s first national park in 1936. Originally named Hailey National Park, it became Jim Corbett National Park in 1957.

Frida Kahlo
,
Video: Blue House Artist – Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacan, Mexico. Frida stepped into a world rich with tradition and culture.

Salman Rushdie
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Video: Salman Rushdie – Birthday Tribute

The wounds from the controversy and the violence are deep. Salman Rushdie is a powerful reminder of the dangers of speaking out against authority and

,

Video: Leo Tolstoy – Birthday Tribute

Tolstoy’s works remain timeless and influential. His novels and philosophical writings continue to be read and studied worldwide. Birthday Tribute to Leo Tolstoy...

Support thespace.ink magazine for literature and culture. Subscribe Now

Photostory

Essential readings for today

Kumortuli
,
Kumortuli in Kolkata

The narrow, dingy lanes packed with partly crafted idols, the scent of mud and clay, and the artists working all day and night feels like

Chhau
Chhau of Seraikella-Kharsawan

Chhau evolved as a form of martial training for soldiers and warriors. Its roots lie in local combat techniques, with exaggerated movements mimicking the agility

Hampi
Hampi: Echoes of a Lost Empire in Stone and Time

The city, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Vijayanagar kings, and its ruins continue to narrate stories of grandeur,

WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY
Photostory: World Photography Day

On 19th August 1839, Daguerre handed over all rights and details of Daguerreotype photographic process to the French government.

India
India, In Every Heartbeat

From the mountains to coasts, from crowded markets to peaceful villages, every frame tells a story of people who carry their country in their hearts.

Cherrapunji
Monsoon Symphony: Cherrapunji’s Heartbeat

Cherrapunji doesn’t merely endure the rains—it celebrates them. In each drop, each drift of cloud, there's poetry and drama.

,

Kumortuli in Kolkata

The narrow, dingy lanes packed with partly crafted idols, the scent of mud and clay, and the artists working all day and night feels like

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Games & Puzzles

Crossword 103
Crossword 102
Crossword 101

Voice & Views

Essential readings for today

Frederick_Forsyth_scribles_mousumi_duttaray_10.6.2025_VB
Remembering Frederick Forsyth

I woke up to the news that Frederick Forsyth has passed away, and instantly,Life was all about sneaking thrills and chasing stories.

Arundhati_Gupta_Devicraft_Book_Review_30.5.2025VB
,
Devicraft Each Stitch Tells Her Story…by a woman for the women!

It is an 18th century Pahari miniature where Lord Shiva is shown helping Parvati stitch a quilt.

Woman Artist_
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“A woman has to find her own path”

Artist Kiran Dixit, who exhibited in Kolkata recently, is the only female living disciple of Ramkinkar Baij

Shoma A. Chatterji
,
An Interview with Ramkamal Mukherjee on Films and Noti Binodini

Bengali films need new directors with new thought and new stories.

Translating
,
Translation: Interview with Mitra Phukan

I try to bring in as much of the aroma of their language, their style into the translation to get a flavour of their work.

Shoma A Chatterji Films Pratim Gupta Cover
,
From Critiquing to Directing Films: In Conversation with Pratim D. Gupta

Films should start a conversation. Any conversation is good conversation.

Remembering Frederick Forsyth

I woke up to the news that Frederick Forsyth has passed away, and instantly,Life was all about sneaking thrills and chasing stories.

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Travel

Essential readings for today

MEGHALAYA_Travel_Aradhita_Banerjee_29.06.2025_VB
Reverie of a Pluviophile: Exploring Magical Meghalaya

The essence of Meghalaya is intermittent showers from enveloping clouds and waterfalls cascading down lush hills.

Norway2_Amlan_travel_26.05.2025_VB
Norway (Part – 2): Bergen: Norway’s Storybook City by the Fjords

The journey began in Skredderdalen, an uphill neighborhood, then led through dense forest trails—each step immersing me further into Bergen’s wilderness.

Paris
Hopelessly Lost in Paris

Although the city is famous for its monumental mountain of steel, the Eiffel Tower, there are endless enchanting sights to enthrall you till you are

Norway1_Amlan_Travel_2.4.2025_VB
Norway-1: An Exhilarating Fairytale Adventure through Fjord Land 

Norway, the land of fjords, is nothing short of a living fairytale.

Majhkhali Travelogue_Nivedita Dey_Cover
Majkhali – the Quaint Kumaoni Hamlet of Peace

The serenity, the surrounding greenery, and nearness to the majestic Himalayan range made me instantly fall in love with Majkhali.

Amlan Chakraborty Aurora Borealis Cover
The Celestial Aura of Aurora Borealis

This eternal dance of light has continued, unaffected by the changing world and its rulers.

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