Balurghat city is identified as a city of heritage and culture. And in this cultural city, everything from Shashti Puja to Jamai Adar has a different touch. In the modern era, even in Balurghat town, in different parts of the district, the women of the house come together to perform puja in front of the Shashti Puja. However, there have been many changes in Jamaishashti.

Now many people do not celebrate son-in-law at home but celebrate this Parwan in hotels and restaurants by arranging the food plate according to son-in-law’s choice. Compared to other times, the familiar sight of Balurghat town has disappeared. Traders said that the crowd for puja market in Balurghat city and Tahbazar is much less than last year.

Bengalis are burning their hands to buy vegetables, fruits and decoration tools for Shashti Puja market. Cucumber, rice and many other things have increased in price. As a result, the middle class is disappointed when they come to the market. According to traders, banana is Tk 12 per kg, cucumber Tk 50 per kg, watermelon Tk 30 per kg, apple Tk 200 per kg, grapes Tk 200 per kg, litchi Tk 200 per kg.

The price of vegetables is skyrocketing. Again, if the son-in-law or father-in-law enters the fish market, the pockets are empty. Hilsa is being sold at Tk 1200 to Tk 1400 per kg, Pabda at Tk 600 per kg, Tangra at Tk 800 per kg, Katla at Tk 500 per kg. There was a time when the breeze of Shasthi’s fan, after a mango-lychee meal, a hearty lunch was guaranteed for the sons-in-law. That’s why Jamaishashti is absolutely crowded. But now times have changed. The current mother-in-law invites the son-in-law to the restaurant on the sixth anniversary of the son-in-law. Sometimes Chinese, sometimes Biryani. As a result, all the family can spend a long time with each other without the hassle of cooking at home.

Sushmita Goswami