After a decade of sharing our lives with each other, we are beyond excited to share and celebrate it with you as we enter a new chapter of our lives!

Zarah & Shoubhik

December 6–15, 2024

After a decade of sharing our lives with each other, we are beyond excited to share and celebrate it with you as we enter a new chapter of our lives!

Zarah & Shoubhik

December 6–15, 2024

Zarah's Contact Info

Zarah: +1 604 441 7040 (Whatsapp/North America), +8801713225346 (Dhaka), zarahnaazf@gmail.com Address: House No. 42, Road 9/A Apt 2A Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209 Preferred mode of communication is WhatsApp, but you can also reach us on Instagram and Facebook messenger.

Shoubhik's Contact Info

Shoubhik: +1 604 442 6557 (Whatsapp), +91 86973 28449(India), shoubhikroy93@gmail.com Address: 364 Jodhpur Park 4th Floor Kolkata - 700068 West Bengal, India Preferred mode of communication is WhatsApp, but you can also reach us on Instagram and Facebook messenger.

WHAT ABOUT DANCES??!

Sorry, this will be last minute, but its all about fun anyways. SO STAY TUNED!

Do I need a visa for Bangladesh?

Yes! Depending on your passport you may need to apply at a visa center in your country or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. Please check that out with your passport country. For visa on arrival, there is a 'Visa on ArrivaI' desk to the right of the escalator once you arrive at Immigration. Head to payment counter first to fill out the application and pay the 50 USD. They accept Credit Card or US Dollar. Then go to the immigration counter next to it with hardcopies of invitations, return ticket, Hotel Info/Reservation, and Zarah's address and contact info.

Do I need a visa for India?

Yes! Depending on your passport country you may be able to apply for e-visa online or you may need to apply through a visa center. For north american, european, austrailian and select other passports, you can apply for an e-visa. Link: https://indiansvisa.org.in/applyvisa

If I arrive earlier than December 4th to Dhaka, where can I stay?

Please text Zarah if you are arriving before December 4th and need a place to stay, Zarah can help arrange.

I am going to both Bangladesh and India events, what can I do between the 9th to the 13th?

There is no set plans between the 9th to the 12th, so you are free to make plans in between. Let Zarah know if you plan to stay in Dhaka, I can arrange something for those that are there in terms of place to stay (extending hotel, getting airbnb, and things to do! If you plan to go early to Kolkata, let Roy know and he can help with accommodation and activities.

What is appropriate to wear in India and Bangladesh?

Western clothing is fully okay in both Dhaka, BD and Kolkata, India, however we would recommend keeping it on the modest side - especially in Dhaka. For the most part, all goes in India, however in Dhaka a bit more modest on the chest area and past knees is recommended. Having a scarf or shawl on hand to cover up is not a bad idea when out and about and in transit. At homes, restaurants and venues, generally all is ok! We apologize in advance for the stares - its a thing! Happens to locals, and its a little worse for foreigners, but harmless really. But of course, be cautious and aware of your surroundings. If people ask to take photos with you, you CAN SAY NO if you want to. They are just excited to see foreigners most of the time and lack some social etiquette which may seem common knowledge elsewhere in the world.

Should I bring cash?

We would recommend having some cash on hand! Smaller shops and restaurants, tips for services, local transportation, etc. usually take cash. In general, both Kolkata and Dhaka are very cash heavy countries, but most restaurants, stores and markets take credit card. ATMs are also available.

Whats the internet situation?

Wi-fi should be available. but I would recommend getting an e-sim. From our experience, airport wi-fi is a bit tricky without a local number, so I would recommend having someway to call/use internet at the airports ready. If you need a local number to text a code to or something, see my local number in the contact info question.

Do I need to get any shots or vaccinations prior to going to South Asia?

This is mostly up to you, however, in the past friends visiting India and Bangladesh for the first time have visited a travel doctor to see if any shots or pills were needed. Things to consider, although Dhaka and Kolkata are not rural areas where this is an issue - shingles, Hep A, typhoid, malaria. We will say it is mosquito season right now, so bring your repellant sprays and creams. Malaria pills are an option. Food is on the spicier side, especially in Dhaka, so bring those antacids and diarrhea pills. It can be quite dusty outside, especially during the winter season, so if you prone to dust allergies or get sick from it, bring some cold or allergy meds. Most medicine are readily available here, however, you know your body best so bring whatever you think you may need!

Food & Water

Only drink bottled water! Try to avoid street food that is not cooked or hot to prevent tummy issues if you are sensitive. Food is on the spicier side, especially in Dhaka, so bring those antacids and diarrhea pills. If you have any strict food restrictions please fill this excel sheet out: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CPPD4ck5zDtnDUTAmIbV6-Sk34E1fpy4XIDXICmeaAI/edit?usp=sharing

Alcohol

In India, this is acceptable and readily available. There will be alcohol served at select events. In Dhaka, its not generally acceptable, and events will not be serving alcohol. But we know how to have a little fun here and there so stay tuned! People with foreign passports are allowed to bring in alcohol so grab a bottle from duty free during your layover if you feel like a drink! Hotels and select clubs have alcohol available for purchase.

Outfit Suggestions

Don't forget to check the themes for majority of the events! We recommend borrowing outfits from South Asian friends, checking out shops in your local South Asian neighborhoods, or even local Facebook marketplace and various Instagram pages. Feel free to also wear non-South Asian clothing if that's what makes you comfortable! You can do a little last minute shopping in India and Bangladesh as well. But if you would like to buy online, check out these websites: FB Marketplace, Amazon, Etsy, House of Indya, HoliChic by Megha, Kalki Fashion, Aza Fashions, The Saree Room, more options coming this week.