The Vibrant Culture of Bengal

The beautiful state of Bengal lies in the eastern part of the plain of Ganges. The state is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. The rule of Muslim rulers and later the British influence in the state culminated in birth of a unique culture. The culture of Bengal draws visitors from all parts of the globe. Many aspects contribute to the richness and variety of the distinctive culture.

Religion of Bengal plays an important role in defining the culture of state. Majority of the state has followers of Hindu religion. The Hindus here has their own birth, wedding and death rituals. Apart from the Hindus, there are followers of Islam and Christianity. Bengali Matrimony functions for the various religious communities differ. The Hindu Bengali Matrimony has rituals that run for several days.

Another important aspect that has shaped the distinct culture of Bengal is its literature. Bengalis have a love for literature and boasts of rich literary collection. Some of the greatest writers of all time belong from Bengal. Notable among them are Kazi Nazrul Islam, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and the nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. There works are mostly in Bangla, the language of Bengal. Writers and authors are inspired from their work. Many of the modern writers have adapted their work in English language.

Food is another important part of the culture of Bengal. To eat the best of the regional delicacies in Bengal, people can attend any Bengali Matrimony and enjoy the sumptuous feast. Bengal’s staple food is rice and fish. Bengalis love their fish curry and other preparations made from it. Other tasty recipes from Bengal are the Aaloo Posto, Luchi, Kosha Manghso, Maacher Jhal and Sageer Chorchori. Sweets of Bengal are also famous, not just in India but in other countries as well. Most of the sweets are made from milk-based products.

Author: Shipra Sinha

Enjoy a Sumptuous Feast in a Bengali Matrimony

Food is an important part of any celebration in India and weddings are the perfect place to gorge on the delectable cuisine. And if this is a Bengali wedding then, you should be sure to stuff yourself with a range of items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In a Bengali Matrimony, the festivities start few days before the actual day of wedding. There are many rituals before and after the wedding. Bengalis take the best opportunity to cook their traditional delicacies during the four-five days of wedding.

The Bengali community members eat fish, meat and chicken and takes pride in their non-vegetarian recipes. In a Bengali Matrimony, the feast is incomplete without three-four non-vegetarian items. Bengalis are known worldwide for their fish in mustard gravy. Usually the people from Bengal eat sweet water fish. A variety of fish like ‘rui’, ‘katla’, ‘parshey’ and ‘praws’ are cooked in different types of sauces and spice mixture. Apart from this, goat meat and chicken items are also served in a Bengali matrimony. Chicken starters are very common in the Bengali weddings as well.

There are also a number of vegetarian items served along with the non-vegetarian items. Some common food items served in a Bengali matrimony are ‘luchi’ or ‘radhballvi’, ‘chanar dalna’ and ‘begun bhaja’. These are items usually served on the wedding night.

Sweets or misti are integral part on any Bengali Matrimony. ‘Shondesh’, a sweet made from cottage cheese is one of the most popular items in any Bengali wedding. There are many variants served and each one is typical of Bengal. Another very common sweet item is the ‘rossogulla’. This is a widely consumed sweet and liked by young and old alike.

Though most of the food served in a Bengali Matrimonial is traditional fare from the state, some Bengali families include delicacies from other Indian states as well. There are also Chinese and Mughlai items on the wedding menu.

Author: Shipra Sinha

LIVE FOR THE ONE YOU LOVE

Life Partner

Love and marriage are two sides of the same coin. One is incomplete without the other. Brides and grooms in every community of India therefore, are required to make sure that they nourish their married life with unlimited love. Marriages in India, whether it’s Jatav Matrimonial or Devanga Matrimonial, all marriage practises demand equal amount of contribution from both the sides. It is very important that the bride and groom take good care of each other and instil their marriage with lots of love and care. Couples in India, are known to define their marriage on the basis of trust and faith on each other.

Marriage is a journey, which is meant to be carried forward with the love and care and so does Jatav matrimony teaches its practitioners. There are a number of stages in life, which tests the commitment and affection; the couple have for each other. The bride and groom should assure that they stand true on each other’s expectations and take every step according to their spouse’s preference. Live is worth living, if a person lives it for his soul mate. Showering happiness and contentment in the lives of their life partner should be the priority for the bride or the groom. Matrimonial practises like Devanga matrimonial, infuses the bride and groom the value of togetherness and the importance of being faithful to the life partner. All matrimonies in India are based on the fact, that marriage is unison of two souls for lifetime. Therefore, the Hindu brides and groom take every step of life taking in consideration its consequences over their partner’s life.

Life spent as per the wishes and expectations of the life partner, makes it easy living for both the bride and groom. Therefore, one should always try and stand true on the expectations of his spouse and give way to happiness and cheerfulness in both of their lives.

Mesmerizing Beauty of Bengali Brides

Bengali Matrimony can be distinguished from the other cultures because of the added artistic touch in the dressing and makeup of the bride. Sparkling large eyes and lustrous black hair add to the beauty of a Bengali bride. The bridal attire is so charming that you cannot take your eyes off the bride! A Bengali bride generally dresses in a vibrant red Banarasi Saree, woven with golden stings or buta work. The pattern of draping saree by Bengali brides is unique which gives them a traditional look. However, brides have become trendy and love wearing designer sarees for their wedding these days to look more graceful.

The hair locks of the bride are tied to form a high knot making a bun. The attire does not complete without a silk chunni, which a bride wears over her head. You must have noticed a tiara or Topor over her head, which makes the bride look amazing! Some beautiful designs are painted on her face with the help of chandan paste, which distinguishes a Bengali bride from other brides.

A big red vermillion bindi is put in the centre of the forehead of the bride, which is skillfully applied, making a round shape. Do not miss the feet and hands of the bride, applied with crimson Alta.

The bride is very beautifully decked in heavy gold wedding jewelery, including necklaces, nose ring, earrings, mang-tikka, anklets, kamardhani, bajuband, and may more. I have got the chance to attend many Bengali marriages and have noticed that the jewelery design of the Bengali's is generally very traditional, with floral designs and engraved peacocks or butterflies. The bangles worn by a Bengali bride are different from those worn by the brides of other states. The bangles generally include – Shankha - a conch shell bangle, Paula – a lac bangle and Loha- an iron bangle. Sindoor and the bangles define the marital status of the brides.