My mother’s son-in-law’s day out!!

Among the 365 days in a year (366 for leap years) which include 52 Mondays to Sundays, a Valentine’s day, a Friendship’s day, a Father’s day, a Mother’s day, a Labor day, a Woman’s Day, an Independence Day, a Children’s day, a Republic Day and so many other significant days; there is one day kept aside exclusively for the Sons–In-Law in the Bengali Calendar known as “Jamai Shosti” day.

“Jamai” refers to the ‘Son-in-Law’ and “Shosti” marks the sixth day of lunar eclipse in the month of June. This day is set aside especially for the Son –in- Law to feel the warmth of the love and affection showered on him by his in laws. Well, while I believe there are plenty of ways to show your love and affection, however, bongs know only three ways and these are Good Food, Good Food and Good Food!!
So, it shouldn’t really surprise you that the main attraction for this day is marked by the sumptuous meal prepared by the mother-in-law. The association of good food and Bengalis dates back to the time bongs landed this planet. So it can be anyone’s guess that the number of dishes that line up the traditional Bengali thali on this day is ample.

 (Courtesy - Google Images)

Some of the must-haves in the menu are: two or three varieties of fish preparations (Hilsa and Prawns are amongst the hot favorites), mutton or chicken curry (sometimes both), steaming hot ‘fulko’ luchis (puris), steaming hot rice with ghee poured over it generously, a couple of top notch vegetable curries and dal, paapod bhajja (fried papad) , begun bhajja (eggplant fry) and some other varieties of vegetable fries and finally if you are done with the main course then desserts are marked with the popular mishti doi (sweetened curd), an assortment of sweets (Sondesh and Rossogolla are the popular ones) and finally “chaal er payesh” (Kheer made of rice).

In earlier days one would picture a nicely groomed, clean shaven, “dhooti” (dhoti) clad son–in-law sitting down on the floor with folded legs to eat with his hand. And a new yellow thread (smeared in turmeric) tied to his wrist; While the mother-in-law fondly watching the son-in-law gorging over the goodies as she sits in front of him refilling his plate and fanning him with a “haath paakha” (hand fan) while he eats .

It may be worth noticing though, that all this love and affection showered over the son-in-law is often reciprocated with a bad tummy the next day. Therefore it may not harm to keep some “Pudin Haras” or “Gelucils” handy. And if you ask your mother-in-law, I am sure you will get several varieties made available to you to choose from!! It is Jamai Shosti after all.

Well apart from the meal, which is the primary focus, there are gifts exchanged between the son-in-law and the mother-in-law and blessings sought (by the son-in-law) and granted (by the mother-in-law). Now if we shift our focus to the father-daughter duo, who, if you have noticed have not been mentioned so far,they need not do anything except for enjoying the food prepared in the honor of the son-in-law.

Yeah the father might get reminded of his historic royal days at HIS in-laws’ place during Jamai shosti. And the daughter gets a chance to get away from her daily chores and witnesses herself and her husband getting pampered !

My parents had invited Vikram and I for this function this year but unfortunately we couldn’t make it this time. However, we have resolved to visit them next year for sure! As for this year, we have decided to celebrate Jamai Shosti here in town in whatever way possible.

For starters, we are going to enjoy a especially arranged lunch buffet for Jamai Shosti at one of the bengali restaurants. Although we cannot really make up for “ma er hather ranna” and the love and affection with which she would have served, but Vikram will at least get to taste some of the goodies that mark the essence of this day! (Not to mention I shall keep the Gelusils/Pudin Haras ready  - just in case:P)

And finally, like they say for all other significant days in the year, Happy Jamai Shosti to all!!