My mother has been awfully busy today since morning in preparing a semi-grand feast for my fiance on the auspicious occasion of Jamai Shoshti. For those, who are not aware of Jamai Shoshti, it is a day, devoted to the son-in-law predominantly celebrated in West Bengal. The day is regarded as auspicious and most of the families organize a party, dedicated to the son-in-law. Sounds heaven like right??
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In a true sense, the son-in-law is the star of the day, who is pampered and fed numerous lip-smacking dishes prepared with care by his mother - in - law. Probably the only day of the year, when they are more excited than the bride to visit the in-laws. Apparently, this custom is so important that the Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms. Mamata Banerjee famously known as Didi declared a half working day for all government officials so that they can enjoy the delicacies and pamper at the abode of their in-laws. It's fun to see the proceedings of Jamai Shoshti, which are hilarious in some occasions.
While coming to office today morning ( I am unlucky enough not to be a government employee) my fiance and I, amused ourselves to the sights of pot-bellied middle-aged men clad in silk kurta pajama, with a gold chain dangling along their neck, huffing past similarly dressed comrades along with their families, to reach the in-laws place and let their hair down for a bit. Yes, its kind of festival to us Bengalis who, inadvertently look for an excuse to celebrate and eat. Fortunately, Jamai Shosti gives you the opportunity to do both.
So, I wonder, why not Bou - Shosti? One day to the wives getting pampered by her in-laws, stealing the spotlight from everyone else? We would also like to relish the delicious cuisines cooked by our mother-in-law and be given gifts. Personally, I wouldn't mind the spotlight on me for one more time, if I count out the wedding. I would also love to see our sweet Didi declaring a holiday for us daughter - in -laws.
Jamai - Shoshti is no doubt a very happy occasion and gives us to spend a day with our families in between the daily work routines. I guess, so would Bou - Shoshti, if "those" people would just give up uttering mindless things like,
" OMG, did you see how she made her mother - in - law slog in the kitchen the whole day? That's so not nice"
or
" Why do you need a Bou - Shosti? You already live with your in-laws."
These comments are tasteless and ignored by all every time, women bring up the concept of Bou - Shosti. So, that idea is still on hold, but I am an almost optimistic person, so I hope one day, this dream of mine and secretly I guess of every other woman does come true. Till then, let's just relish the dishes my mother cooked for my fiance, given they are heavenly. Happy Jamai Shoshti to all.
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