![]() Bengal is a land of festivals. Umpteen religious ceremonies abound the yearly calendar. Apart from the vast number of religious festivals, every minute aspect related to the wedding ceremony is celebrated with pomp videlicet, 'Gaye Halud' (rubbing the bride and groom with turmeric), 'Phool Sajja' (decorating the bed of the newly married couple with flowers on the nuptial night), 'Jamai Shasthi' (a day dedicated to the grooms when they are given a special treat by their in-laws) etc. On such occasions, the Bengalis have a custom of sending 'Tatvas' (Precious gifts, Sweets etc.) to each other that is the brides family to the grooms family and vice versa. 'Tatva Sandesh' is a special kind of sweetmeat made exclusively for the big day. The 'Tatva Sandesh' of Sen Mahasay is not only palatable but an exquisite specimen of art. Tasty and colourful Sandesh is available in different moulds and designs ranging from small houses, shanties, bride and groom on the decorated nuptial-bed, sehnai-player to the butterfly as the symbol of an auspicious and happy marriage. The Sandesh made in the mould of a petite and buxom doll is so impeccable that a layman would mistake it for a clay doll made in Krishnanagar. Again, another would show a large decorated tray and a cogitating Lord Shiva on it with his trident and 'Dugdugi' (tambour). Some other design would show a girl with a lamp. Her eyes are made of black pepper and her body is decorated with 'Mihidana' (a finely grained sweetmeat) and cardamom. Small 'Tub Sandesh' is also found which resembles the colour of clay. However the most popular form of 'Tatva Sandesh' is 'Fish', as the latter is regarded as a very auspicious symbol in Bengal. These model-sweets look no less authentic than the real ones. Besides, there are several other patterns like 'Dilkhosh', 'Monoranjan', 'Pranhara', 'Dilhara' etc. which have carved out a niche for themselves in the glossary of the gourmets in Bengal. |