“Jamai Shosthi”, an auspicious festival predominantly celebrated in West Bengal as well as in some other states of India and Bangladesh by the Hindu Bengalis with much pomp. Son-in-law is termed as ‘Jamai’ in Bengali and thus this is the occasion dedicated to the sons-in-law. On this auspicious day, mothers-in-law worship Goddess Shosthi(a Hindu goddess, venerated in Nepal and India as the benefactor and protector of children. She is also the deity of vegetation and reproduction and is believed to bestow children and assist during childbirth) seeking fortune and blessings for her daughter and son-in-law for a long life. Delectable dishes (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian) are prepared for the daughter and son-in-law and they are also showered with gifts. The celebration of this festival is an integral part of the rich culture and tradition of the Hindu Bengalis.
This year the festival was celebrated on 25th May. I being a part of this beautiful tradition, am sharing my experience of this day. As a ritual, i was invited to attend this auspicious occasion at my in-law’s place. A number of rituals were performed by my mother in law right from the morning. It began with offering of dahi-chira(Sweet curd mixed with flattened rice) along with the breakfast platter containing chopped ripe mangoes and litchi, varieties of sweets and pastries and a ‘Jamai Shasthi’ special cake.
Exchange of gifts followed after breakfast. I was gifted with a beautiful kurta-punjabi and my wife received an elegant tant saree. I(and my wife) presented handloom sarees to my mother in law, aunt in law and sister in law.
The lunch platter followed in the afternoon. The menu was quite long containing rice and polao, veg dal, topseh fry(mango-fish fry), katla kalia(an item made with catla fish), bhetki paturi(Barramundi fish item), doi potol(an item made with sour curd and pointed gourd), mutton curry, mango chutney and papad. Five different types of sweets were in the dessert platter along with paan, ice cream and cold drink. Though I was not able to savour the dessert items, I was able to fully devour all the delicacies.
The evening was spent well with palaver and laughter and a small nap to assimilate the lunch. With this, the auspicious day comes to an end. A day well spent with enjoyment, loads of good food and good memories.
Do you have any such unique festival in your region? If so, share it in comments below.