“Bhojon koro, kono drobbo noi,” the phrases of Sukumar Roy, a famend Bengali poet, echo by time, sending a powerful message that we must always have meals first, retaining all our worries at bay. His phrases are proper on the spot, capturing the feelings that Bengalis affiliate with meals. For Bengalis, meals is greater than only a survival device; it is an emotion meant for bonding and an expression of their vibrant tradition.

Even earlier than the Mughal, Persian, and Turkish eras, the culinary panorama of Bengal resonated properly with indigenous flavours, and it stays the identical now. Since then, Bengali delicacies has thrived on its fertile soil and ample rivers. While the fertile lands of Bengal have been extra appropriate for rice cultivation, the intricate community of rivers teeming with a profusion of freshwater made fish a cherished a part of their weight-reduction plan.
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As fish turned an integral a part of the Bengali weight-reduction plan, it symbolized prosperity and success. The mere sight of fish was thought of an auspicious omen, discovering its approach into varied rituals and ceremonies.

It isn’t just an merchandise on the Bengali plate; as a substitute, it’s a revered custom. Especially throughout pre-wedding celebrations, a luxurious unfold of fish dishes adorns the feasting tables. Right from the pleasant customized, Tattva, part of the haldi ceremony, one can see a wonderfully embellished Ruhu fish taking centre stage, symbolizing the collective hope for a future stuffed with luck and happiness. Even when a bride enters her new house, fish is historically offered as a heartfelt blessing for a joyful and fulfilling married life in Bengali tradition.

Let’s take a step again and speak in regards to the pre-wedding traditions the place “Aiburobhat” takes the prime function on the feasting tables. Here, single {couples} are handled to a lavish unfold, and on the coronary heart of this feast is, in fact, fish.

Hilsa fish at all times holds a particular place in Bengali tradition and is even thought of the state fish of West Bengal! The iconic Hilsa is seen as an emblem of satisfaction and a culinary treasure right here.
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Fish is extensively cooked in Bengali households.
Photo Credit: iStock

When it involves taking good care of your self, Bengalis consider in ‘mach Khao budhhi barbe,’ that means ‘eat fish; it’ll enhance your intelligence.’ Well, that is justified by a examine that exposed ‘those that ate greater than 10 grams of fish per day had markedly higher take a look at scores and a decrease prevalence of poor cognitive efficiency than those that ate lower than 10 grams of fish per day.’

Now, let’s take a better have a look at the varied fish dishes Bengalis make to tantalize their style buds. Freshwater fish varieties similar to Katla, Rui, Bhetki, Pabda, and Ilish are thought of the celebs of a Bengali’s every day meals. The every day meal revolves round ‘mach and bhaat,’ or fish and rice. The fish is usually paired with mustard oil or gawa ghee, and typically paanch foron, a mix of 5 spices (nigella, cumin, aniseed, fenugreek, and radhuni), which add layers of flavour to the cuisines.

A go to to the fish market counts as a day-to-day affair for Bengalis. Conversations in these markets revolve round freshness, individuals negotiating one of the best offers, and the provision of the catch. But it additionally bustles with tales which are shared, bonds which are made, and traditions which are handed down. These markets might be the place the place grandmoms and grandpas go down their time-tested strategies for assessing a fish’s high quality to their grandchildren.

Even when Bengalis are away from their hometowns, they nonetheless observe the normal culinary tradition. Fish isn’t just meals for Bengalis; it is a approach to hook up with their roots and a dedication to upholding the traditions that outline their tradition.

The love for fish in Bengali tradition isn’t just about meals; it is about feelings, traditions, and a deep connection to their roots. It’s in regards to the previous enriching the current, and it is about savouring each chew as an ode to their vibrant tradition. So, the following time you relish a Bengali fish delicacy, do not forget that you are not simply having fun with a meal; you are experiencing a slice of Bengali life, the place meals is love, and love is meals.

About the creator: Karan Puri is an creator and freelance journalist, specialising within the meals and life-style trade.