The Bengalis living in aamchi Mumbai are all set to ring in Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year on April 15.
The mishti (sweet) Bengalis living in aamchi Mumbai are all set to ring in Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year on April 15.
And though the city may be a far cry from the busy Kolkata streets buzzing with festive fervour at this time of the year, for Bengalis in Mumbai it’s a day to start afresh – new clothes, new account books and the good ol’ traditional Bengali meal, complete with roshogollahs.
“We Bengalis love our food, so don’t be surprised if you see popular Bengali restaurants filled with Bengalis tucking into a hearty meal,” said Bandra resident Madhulina Sengupta.
For this 39-year-old homemaker, the day will begin with a visit to a Kali temple in Chembur or Shivaji Park, obviously in a crisp new cotton saree followed by a round of telephone calls to wish elders back home in Kolkata. “Once my children return from school we will visit relatives and enjoy a traditional Bengali meal,” she said.
So, whether it’s the kashamangsho, spicy mutton gravy or chingri malai kadi, a fish preparation, luthi, puris or pattishapta, a sweet dish, the community will ensure that they sample only traditional delicacies. And those too busy to dish out the traditional fare at home will flock the popular Bengali restaurants.
“To indulge in an authentic Bengali meal is nostalgic for the community in Mumbai who live away from home. And, we try to make them feel at home through our food,” said Phiroz Sadri, director of operations, O! Calcutta.
It is on this day that Bengali traders open a new book to maintain accounts, a traditional practice called Haalkhatha, which is believed to bring in good luck and prosperity to business.
Pia Dasgupta, 25, living alone in the city is excited to bring in Poila Baisakh. Dasgupta’s New Year will start with a small puja, followed by a call to her parents, lunch at The Calcutta Club and finally a sandesh and a roshogollah treat for office colleagues. “As a child Poila Baisakh also meant receiving gifts from relatives and neighbours. I remember this stationery shop near my house would give us a pencil box on this day,” she said.
For Oberoi Chef Joy Bhattacharya, Poila Baisakh is also a day to seek the blessings of your elders. “However busy I am, on the occasion of Poila Baisakh it is imperative for me to call up my mom,” Bhattacharya said.
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