sheet
(winter)
SHEET
is the Bengali winter in the months of Poush
and Magh. Temperatures plummet, skies clear,
soft sunlight falls on the colourful shawls
worn by shivering Bangalees and cold nights
are spent under the cozy embrace of heavy
quilts. Mornings are spent gulping down
serves of fresh date juice and at dusk Pithas
add the colour in an otherwise desolate
landscape.
TRADITIONALLY
the culinary mark of a Bengali winter is
Pitha, homemade cakes made of rice flour,
coconut, cream and molasses that are made
also in celebration of the big harvest.
Pithas are one of the most unique and mouthwatering
delicacies that Bangladesh enjoys. One of
the oldest traditions of Bengal, families,
neighbours, communities gather to devour
the plethora of Pithas made in the kitchens.
These days, Pitha festivals are organised
both in rural and urban parts of the country
giving us all a rare opportunity to taste
the various indigenous country cakes.
basanta
(spring)
SPRING
is known as Basanta, in the months of Falgoon
and Choitro. Blossoming buds and fresh leaves
are swung by the most beautiful brisk breezes
of the year that is reputed to induce springtime
lovers to indulge in what is known as Basanta
Bilap. The flowers Shimul, Palash accompany
the mango buds crowning the trees and banishes
the desolation of winter to make way for
the energy of spring.
EVERYONE
in the country greets Basanta (Spring) on
Pahela Falgun, the first day of the season
with much aplomb and festivities. Girls
draped in Bashonti (yellow) coloured sarees,
decked up in floral ornaments welcome the
season with songs and dances while others
get involved in the celebrations in their
own way. Even the seniors do not want to
stay behind, they take part in the revelry
with as much enthusiasm, putting on abir
on each other. In Dhaka, the Basanta Utshab
Festival Celebration Committee has been
arranging the programme for the last ten
years at Charukala Bakultala of Dhaka University
in an effort to sensitise the urbanites
about the importance of the festival. Now
the celebration has spread around the country.
Cities, towns around the country organise
their own programmes to celebrate the one
of the most beautiful days of the year.
