You Can’t Divide The Bengalis Over Fish Policing

There has been a change of government in Delhi, and after many years the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come to power after ousting the Aam Aadmi Party government. One of the areas in Delhi is called Chittaranjan Park. Bengalis live here―not the lower middle class Bengalis, but the upper class Bengalis. And where the Bengalis live, it can’t be that there will be no fish market. A video of a fish market in Chittaranjan Park was posted by Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra on X and that triggered a controversy. In the video, it can be seen that some people are threatening the fish traders of the market to stop the fish business. It was said that as there is a temple next to that market, those who visit the temple are emotionally hurt. Incidentally, this temple was built by those merchants. Though it was later alleged that the video was not true and Moitra purported the video for political gain, but still the debate continues. 

For quite some time, Bengali-speaking poor Muslims have been attacked as Bangladeshis. Starting from the home minister of the country, many BJP leaders and ministers have talked about and denigrated Bengali food habits at various times. Prominent actor Paresh Rawal complained that his neighbour, a Bengali―who could be a Hindu or a Muslim―eats fish, causing him trouble. Later, however, he said that he did not make such negative comments about anyone라이브 바카라 eating habits, but the controversy is long-standing. The BJP at the centre, and the traditional Hindutva or Sanatani, are accused of talking about the food habits of Bengalis and mob lynched them to death by checking what meat was in their fridge. So it is natural that there will be a debate about Bengalis eating fish today. 

“Vojon Karo, Kono Drobyo Noy”―the words of famous Bengali poet Sukumar Roy echoes through time, giving a strong message that we should keep all worries aside and eat food first. He also wrote “Dekhe Shuney Cheye Khao, Jeta Chay Rasona, Ta Na Holey Kala Khao―Chato Keno Basona”. His words are absolutely right, highlighting the emotions that Bengalis associate with food. For

Bengalis, food is not just a tool for survival; it is an emotion that is made to bond and express their vibrant culture.

Even before the Mughal, Persian and Turkish eras, Bengali cuisine resonated with indigenous flavours and still does. Since then, the cuisine of Bengal has been enriched by its fertile soil and abundant rivers. Although the fertile land of Bengal was more suitable for rice cultivation, the complex system of rivers with an abundance of freshwater made fish a favourite part of their diet. As fish became an integral part of the Bengali diet, it became a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The sighting of fish was considered an auspicious omen, which took place in various rites and rituals.

It is not just a dish in a Bengali meal; it is, rather, an honoured tradition. During pre-marriage celebrations, a large array of fish graces the banquet table. A part of the haldi ceremony, the picturesque ritual, features a magnificently decorated Rui fish as the centerpiece, symbolising the collective hope for a future filled with fortune and happiness.

Even when a bride enters her new home, the fish is presented in Bengali culture as a heartfelt blessing for a happy and fulfilling married life. Let라이브 바카라 go back a bit and talk about the pre-wedding tradition where at least one fish item plays a major role in the “Aiburovat” feast table. Although there is a lot to be said about this ceremony, it is nothing more than a certificate of pre-marital sex between a woman or a

man. Instead, the main purpose of this piece is to focus on the food of the ceremony or, in plain terms, fish as food.

Hilsa fish has always held a special place in Bengali culture and is even considered the state fish of West Bengal! Here, the symbolic Hilsa is seen as a symbol of pride and a culinary resource. The controversy between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan over Hilsa and Shrimp is also long-standing. The scene of cooked fish head has also been seen in various films, but it is difficult to say whether it will continue in the future or not, because if the BJP comes to power in Bengal in the future, it goes without saying that the attacks on food will increase.

Going to the fish market is a daily affair for Bengalis. Conversations in this market are characterised by freshness, discussions about buying the best fish at low prices and the availability of fish. These are all part of Bengali culture. These stories and affiliations create a bond between people. These markets can be a place where older people in the household inform their next generation of fish connoisseurs about their food quality. These markets become a place of kinship for Bengalis. Even when Bengalis are away from their birthplace, they still follow traditional culinary culture. Fish is not only food for Bengalis; it is a way to connect with their roots and a commitment to hold on to the traditions that define their culture. 

In Bengali culture, the love for fish is not just about food; it was, and is, the deep connection of Bengali roots with passion, tradition and the fish. Each fish recipe is meant to enrich the present with the past, and is one of the ways to pay homage to their vibrant culture. So, the next time you taste Bengali fish delicacies, remember that you are not just enjoying a meal; you are experiencing a slice of Bengali life, where food is love, and love is food. 

Even if Bengalis get their hands on that food, they won’t talk about it. Hindus will stand united with the Muslims and will resist the Hindutva forces. Although the people living in Delhi라이브 바카라 Chittaranjan Park did not say anything initially, it can be confirmed now that in the coming days they will forget all the differences and speak against those attacking the fish. So the main mantra of a Bengali is ‘Dharibo maach khaib sukhe’ (catch fish and eat in a relaxed mood), no matter how hard the Hindutva forces try, the Bengali will not be able to stop eating fish. This incident in Delhi is also a warning for the Bengalis of West Bengal today. No matter how much the jingoism is induced by the slogan “Hindu Hindu Bhai Bhai”, it can be said for sure that Bengalis will be united on this one issue. Fish and rice are intertwined. Bengalis won’t change themselves even if food policing is done by the Hindutva forces. 

(Views expressed are personal) 

(The author works with the University of Calcutta and is a columnist)