Rituals Of Jamai Sasthi

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The flavour of family bonding is expressed through social customs. We Indians have so many customs which makes the expression of family bonding even more prominent. Such is a custom of Bengalis in which they celebrate the son-in-law day. Yes, there is a day which is dedicated exclusively to the son-in-law.

Jamai sasthi is a traditional Bengali ritual which is observed in the month of June. According to the Bengali calendar, it is celebrated on the sixth day of Jaishtha month. On this day the son-in-law receives grand treatment at his in-law's house. The mother-in-law is supposed to cook various delicacies for the son-in-law and organise the whole celebration.

CHECK OUT THE JAMAI SASTHI SPECIAL BENGALI RECIPES

Huge feast and exchange of gifts forms the major part of this festival. The son-in-law is treated in a grand manner on Jamai sasthi by his in-laws so that he treats their daughter properly for the rest of the year. This custom lays foundation for a strong family bonding and the son-in-law gets to know his in-laws in a better way.

Take a look at the rituals that are followed on Jamai sasthi by the in-laws in honour of their son-in-law.

Origin Of Jamai Sasthi

The legend goes, there was once a very greedy woman who used to eat up everything cooked in the house. When asked, she blamed it on the cat. The cat being close to Goddess Sasthi, complained to Her about this. In order to teach the woman a lesson, Goddess Sasthi hid all the children of the woman.

Origin Of Jamai Sasthi

Being punished, the greedy woman performed rituals before the Goddess and prepared delicacies in order to please her. The Goddess was eventually satisfied and decided to return all her children. Since then all women started performing the Sasthi puja for the welfare of their children.

Rituals Of Jamai Sasthi

The rituals of Jamai sasthi are very simple. The son-in-law is welcomed along with the daughter into the house. The mother-in-law has to carry a thali which contains the durbo (grass), grains and five different fruits. She has to sprinkle the grains and durbo on the head of her son-in-law and bless him. Then she has to make a mark on his head with curd (phonta) and tie a yellow thread on his wrist.

The Food

Food is the most crucial part of the festival. The mother-in-law is supposed to cook all kinds of delicacies for her son-in-law. Fish has to be on priority on the menu. Apart from that rice, pooris, dal, prawn curry and sweets are served on the platter.

Significance Of Jamai Sasthi

The festival is supposed to bring the son-in-law closer to his in-laws. It makes the family ties strong.