Bring back the nostalgia of Poila Baisakh, Bengali New Year

#poilabaisakh #BengaliNewYear #Bengalisweets #Bengalicuisine Poila Baisakh brings back nostalgic memories of an era that has gradually disappeared. Bengali businesses begin with Polia Baisakh or the first day of the month of Baisakh, as per Bengali calendar. And – the traders, in order to retain their old clientele as well as to attract new patrons, used to observe the day with pomp and fanfare. It was the day of Haal Khata – this was the ledger book containing daily receipts and expenses and, on Polia Baisakh, the traders would obtain a new ledger, take it along puja offerings to the nearby temple and obtain the blessings of Lord Ganesh, the God of Wealth and Prosperity.

On the occasion, the regular patrons would drop by, donate a token amount money and the traders would offer the patrons cold drinks, packet of sweets and a wall calendar. If I remember correctly, I would accompany my parents and visit selected shops – the cold drinks we would finish on the spot, and bring back the packet of sweets and the calendars.
That has all vanished.
Today, ledgers are maintained on computers and, the tradition of creating a bond between the trader and the customer has been replaced by loyalty points earned by the customer at shopping malls and credit cards.
Of course, family outings do take place – the venue would be hotels in the city that would offer special Bengali dishes to bring back nostalgia. The dishes that used to, once upon a time, be prepared at home by the elderly members of the family, have now been transferred to the chefs who strive to bring back the flavor and look of the original. Take a look at what is on offer in Kolkata this year for Poila Baisakh.

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