
Bengali magazines – A blessing for book lovers
By Meenakshi G on February 11, 2025
Bengali magazines have played a significant role in shaping literature, culture, and journalism in Bengal. Whether you’re looking for literary, political, film, or children’s magazines, Bengali publications offer a rich variety. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and influential Bangla magazines across different genres.
1. Literary Magazines (সাহিত্য পত্রিকা)
Bengali literature has a long tradition of powerful storytelling, poetry, and essays. These magazines publish works by both emerging and established writers.
📖 Desh (দেশ)
- One of the most respected literary magazines in Bengal, published by Anandabazar Patrika.
- Features short stories, novels, poems, essays, and literary criticism.
- Writers like Sunil Gangopadhyay, Samaresh Majumdar, and Buddhadeb Guha have been featured.
📖 Anandamela (আনন্দমেলা)
- A children’s magazine that also includes literature, science, and adventure stories.
- Known for publishing serialized novels by authors like Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay and Satyajit Ray (Feluda stories).
📖 Bartaman Patrika Sahityo (বর্তমান পত্রিকা সাহিত্য)
- A contemporary magazine that covers literature, poetry, and modern Bengali fiction.
- Features emerging writers and literary discussions.
📖 Boier Desh (বইয়ের দেশ)
- A literary magazine focused on book reviews, author interviews, and reading recommendations.
2. News & Current Affairs Magazines (খবর ও সমসাময়িক পত্রিকা)
These magazines cover politics, economy, social issues, and international affairs.
📰 Anandabazar Patrika (আনন্দবাজার পত্রিকা)
- Although primarily a newspaper, Anandabazar publishes in-depth political and cultural analysis.
- Covers Bengali and global news, literature, and entertainment.
📰 Bartaman (বর্তমান)
- A well-known news magazine covering politics, economy, and current events in Bengal and India.
📰 Aajkal (আজকাল)
- Focuses on Bengali and Indian politics, society, and business.
- Also features cultural and sports news.
3. Film & Entertainment Magazines (সিনেমা ও বিনোদন পত্রিকা)
For those interested in Bengali cinema, TV, and music, these magazines provide news, reviews, and celebrity interviews.
🎬 Anandalok (আনন্দলোক)
- One of the most popular Bengali film and entertainment magazines.
- Covers Tollywood (Bengali cinema), Bollywood, and international cinema.
- Includes interviews, gossip, and reviews.
🎬 Cine Bangla (সিনে বাংলা)
- Focuses on Bengali cinema, featuring exclusive stories on actors, directors, and upcoming films.
4. Science & Knowledge Magazines (বিজ্ঞান ও জ্ঞানপত্রিকা)
Bengali science magazines inspire curiosity and cover the latest developments in science and technology.
🔬 Kishore Bharati (কিশোর ভারতী)
- A children’s magazine with a focus on science, education, and general knowledge.
- Publishes fun science experiments and articles.
🔬 Science Today (বিজ্ঞান ও প্রযুক্তি)
- Covers topics in physics, space, environment, and new technological developments.
- Written for both students and general readers.
5. Children’s & Comics Magazines (শিশু পত্রিকা ও কমিক্স)
For young readers, Bengali magazines have been a gateway to literature and creativity.
📚 Sandesh (সন্দেশ)
- Founded by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury and later edited by Satyajit Ray.
- Features stories, puzzles, and science articles for children.
📚 Suktara (সুকতারা)
- Publishes engaging stories, comics, and educational content for young readers.
- A favorite among Bengali kids for decades.
📚 Unish Kuri (উনিশ কুড়ি)
- A youth-oriented magazine that covers career, fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle.
- Targeted at teenagers and young adults.
Final Thoughts
Bengali magazines cater to every interest, from literature to politics, cinema, and science. Whether you are a literature lover, a film enthusiast, or a knowledge seeker, there is always a Bangla magazine to explore.
Which Bengali magazine do you enjoy reading? Let me know in the comments! 😊