Aiburo Bhaat
Aiburo Bhaat is a traditional Bengali pre-wedding ritual where brides and grooms have a farewell meal at their parents homes.[1] This ritual is observed two days before the wedding and is believed to bring good luck to the couple's future together.[1]
Etymology
[edit]"Aiburo" translates to young adult male or bachelor, and "Bhaat" means rice, so it essentially refers to a pre-wedding rice-eating celebration, highlighting the importance of food in this ritual.[2] The purpose of this ritual is to give the bride and groom a final bachelorette feast before the wedding.[3]
Culinary preparation
[edit]The Aiburo Bhaat menu is a Bengali feast, typically featuring:[1][4]
- Steamed Rice (Bhaat): The main dish, Steamed rice is served in a bowl-shaped plate, accompanied by various side dishes. It symbolises purity and prosperity.
- Dal: Lentils prepared in different styles.
- Paanch Rokom Bhaja: Five varieties of fried vegetables, like potatoes and beguni (deep-fried brinjal), etc.
- Sukto: A mixed vegetable dish considered auspicious.
- Fish Dishes: Examples include Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa with mustard) and Chingri Malai Curry (prawns in coconut cream), Mach bhajhi (fried fish) and macher matha (fish head).
- Meat Dishes: Such as Kosha Mangsho (slow-cooked mutton) and chicken dishes.
- Sweets: Desserts like Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt), Payesh and Rasgulla.
Celebration
[edit]Aiburo Bhaat usually takes place one to three days before the wedding, mainly in afternoon. It is hosted by the bride's or groom's family for their relatives.[5] Close friends and relatives of the bride and groom gather at their homes to offer gifts and blessings.[5]
Before the meal, elder family members perform a ritual, placing durba grass and rice seeds on the couple's heads to bless them with prosperity and fertility.[6] The female of the house often performs ulu dhwani, a traditional mouth sound, as a blessing during this ritual.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "All About Aiburo Bhaat Wedding Ritual In Bengali". qpidindia.in. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ Chitriin, Alok (2018-01-27). "Aiburobhat (Bengali Bridal Shower): The gastronomical extravaganza". Steemit. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ Chakraborty, Mahasweta. Cupid Strikes at a Wedding. Bigfoot Publications. ISBN 978-81-960097-2-4.
- ^ Ghosh, Shreya (2023-11-17). "What Is Aiburo Bhaat; Last Meal Bengali To-Be Brides & Grooms Have At Their Respective Parents' Places?". Curly Tales. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ a b "Bengali Wedding Aiburo Bhaat – Final Meal As A Bachelor". 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ Majumdar, Rochona (2009-04-13). Marriage and Modernity: Family Values in Colonial Bengal. Duke University Press. ISBN 978-0-8223-9080-0.
- ^ Rethinking Indian Culture: Challenges and Responses. Institute of Oriental & Orissan Studies. 2001.