Jamai Shasthi, a day dedicated to sons-in-law, is celebrated overwhelmingly in West Bengal. It strengthens the bond between son-in-law and mother-in-law and brings him closer to his wife’s family. This special day is for Jamai Ador or the pampering of sons-in-law. Special meals are curated for sons-in-law. Lip-smacking dishes to the long adda, the family members enjoy the occasion together.
Jamai Shasthi is all about food and celebration, the two favorites of Bengalis. On this day, the entire family gets involved in preparation to welcome the son-in-law.
On this auspicious day, Bengali mothers-in-law prepare a special feast for their sons-in-law. The meal consists of fish, prawn curry, mutton curry, rice, luchi, dal, sweets, and other lip-smacking Bengali delicacies.
It is a joyful and cheery festival, and the entire family enjoys it. In Hindu culture, a son-in-law is treated as a son. This festival puts up quite a show at every Bengali household, as the Jamai has to try and finish the meal to please his mother-in-law. This ritual is a treat to watch for the entire family.
Jamai Shashti is observed on the sixth day of the traditional Bengali calendar’s Jyestha month. This tradition is more popular among the Bengalis those who have roots in Bangladesh. The West Bengal government declares a half-holiday on this day.
Why Jamai Shashthi is Celebrated?
The popular legend behind Jamai Shashthi says that there was a greedy woman who used to everything she could find. When caught, she blamed it on the cat. The cat, who is an appurtenance(Vahan) of Goddess Shasthi, complained about the same to Her. To punish the woman, Goddess hid her children. The heartbroken woman then asked for mercy from the Goddess. She asked the woman to perform a few rituals on the sixth day of the bright phase of Jyestha to get her children back.
The Goddess was eventually satisfied and returned the children to the woman. Since then, all women worship Goddess Sasthi for the well-being and long lives of their children.
However, after this incident, the greedy woman was not allowed to visit her father’s place. So, her family invited their son-in-law and daughter for lunch on the sixth day of the Bengali calendar month Jyestha. From then on, the celebration of Jamai Shashti began.
Another age-old custom was prevalent in Bengal was that after the marriage, the woman was not allowed to visit her home until she carries a child. So, Jamai Shashthi was started, So that the woman could visit her paternal house with her husband.
How do you perform the Jamai Sasthi?
There are various simple rituals performed on this day by the mothers-in-law. It is a long day affair. Early in the morning, after bath, she performs Shashthi Puja, sprinkles holy water, offers fruits to the children, and pray for their long lives.
The family welcomes the daughter and son-in-law into the house. Once they get settled, the mother-in-law carries a Dala or Kulo(Bamboo tray) that contains water, Dubba(twin blades of grass), Dhan(grains), Betel leaves, Supari, Sweet curd, and five different fruits. The mother-in-law then sprinkles grains and Dubba on the head of her son-in-law and blesses him. Then she puts an auspicious phota (mark) on his forehead with a curd. The final ritual has the mother-in-law tying a yellow thread around the son-in-law’s wrist and prays for his long and prosperous life.
Family members present new clothes and gifts to the daughter and son-in-law. In return, they also gift them something special.
Jamatar Bhuribhoj – The Grand Feast On Jamai Shasthi
No Bengali festival is complete without food. How can a celebration happen in Bengal and Kolkata without a delicious spread? The most important part is the grand feast that is associated with this.
A full course lunch including fifteen to sixteen dishes is prepared for their loving sons-in-law.
The son-in-law is made to sit in Asana on the floor, facing a large plate with a small mound of fragrant steamed rice placed right in the middle. Bowls of finely cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes containing different delicacies are arranged around it.
It is a delicious spread with some authentic Bengali spread.
A fruit platter is a must for this day. Season fruits such as Mango, litchi, jackfruit, blackberry are given to Son-in-law.
While the son-in-law relishes the mouth-watering meal, his mother-in-law fans him with the finely pleated palm leaf hand fan.
Fish being a Bengali staple food remains in great demand in the local fish market. Read Why Bengalis love fish so much. People wait in long queues outside the sweet shops to buy Handis of Rasagollas and packets of Sondesh for their favorite son-in-law. The occasion does burn a hole in the pocket of many middle-class households. Still, Bengali households celebrate the day in pomp and splendor.
The ritual that started as a homely affair and home-cooked food has shifted now to various restaurants. The eateries leave no stone unturned to see that the best of the dishes are on the offering. They also make arrangements for performing the rituals there.
Kolkata’s five-star hotels such as Taj Bengal, JW Marriott, and many top-notch restaurants serve a lavish spread for this occasion. The Thali prices vary between Rs. 1200 to Rs. 3000 plus taxes.
Popular Menu For Jamai Shasthi
The signature items of Jamai Shashthi are an amalgamation of traditional dishes from Bangladesh and West Bengal.
Veg Menu For Jamai Shasthi
Gondhoraj Ghol, Ghee Bhat, Gobindo Bhog, Radha Bollovi, Loochi, Panch Bhaja, Suktoni, Postor Bora, Jhoori Aloo Bhaja, Mochar Paturi, Echorer Kaliya, Golbari Kosha Alurdom, Bhaja Moslar Alur Dom, Enchorer Kofta, Nikhutir Dalna, Kancha Aamer Chutney.
Non-vegetarian dishes for Jamai Shashthi
Bhekti Fry, Tangra Machher Tel Jhal, Chingri Malaikari, Bekti Machher Paturi, Chicken Dukbungalow, Kosha Mangsho, Borishali Eilish, Kochi Panthar Jhol, Bhekti Phoolkopir Dalna, Bethurani Machh.
Desserts – Kacha Golla, Gobindo Bhog Chaler Payesh, Taalsasher Payesh, Aamer Sandesh, Misti Doi, or Aam Doi.
What is the date of Jamai Sasthi 2021?
In 2021, Jamai Shashthi falls on Wednesday, 16 June.
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