B for "Bengalis"

When I started thinking about the Letter B it reminded me of the community I belong to "Bengali".

Most of the times I am asked "Hey you have curly hair are you Malyali or are you from Goa".

This is my usual answer haven't you seen Maa Durga .She has similar hair and so I am bengali.

Generally when the word bengali comes people have a vision of a girl who needs to have beautiful eyes, sharp looks and very talented be it singing,dancing , painting, public speaking etc.

You don't need to be an expert in recognizing a Bengali because the moment he/she speaks you can recognize that he/she is a bengali with the O''s and Auw's that are added during the pronunciation of words.(In my case it is an exception :P)

You must have watched the movie Kahani how "Vidya" becomes "Bidya" and I have known how "Pallavi" becomes "Pallabi". How Dahi becomes "Mishti Doi" here :) and How Rasgullas becomes "Rasoogulas" :)

When it comes to speaking your mind , they will never step back. 

[Basically they are very talkative, are "expressive" and few also show "Neka" (attitude).Cant resist this word reminds me of a famous character Komolika from Ekta Kapoor's serial "Kasauti zindagi ki "]

When it  comes to Fashion/Acting/Dancing  they are well versed with it. 

[Look at Sushmita & Bipasha ]

When it  comes to studies among all the toppers there would be at least 1 Bengali .

[Basically very sincere & hardworking]

When it  comes to love Marriages they have the highest rate and know all the rules of the game.

 [I have stopped counting now :P]

When it comes to dressing up they love it and especially during the Durga Puja, Kali puja and Poila Baisakh (Bengali new year ) .

[You can see from far away a beautiful saree with hair neatly done, nice pearls and a lovely big round bindi:]

Every bengali apart from the usual studies is talented in some or the area either drawing, painting, singing or dancing. I have always wondered how but this is what I have realized they have love for arts and music.In all the days when I used to learn guitar and go for exams I would see a Shubroto or an Antara in the list of names so I knew you have tough competition here.

All the above features may apply for some and may not apply for some but in case of Bengali men you can find the submissive types or the short tempered ones.

But once you serve them the delicious fish curry then you have won half the race.

Very few bengalis would say no to fish curry and this is the first question I am asked wherever I go "So you must be making lot of fish curries " .

If I am speaking about Bengalis how can I miss few of their important traditions.

Without which my blog would be incomplete.

When it comes to bengali traditions the shankho and the sound Hulhuli (females make with their tongue ) marks the auspicious rituals. During a bengali wedding the new bride dressed in Red Banarasi hides her face behind the "Pan patta " (leaves) waiting for the glimpse with her husband dressed in Silk Kurta, Bengali dhoti and a nice topar -(white conical headgear) called as Shubh Dhristi .[Remember the movie "Devdas"]

One of the greatest festivals is Durga Puja which is celebrated with great pomp and show. Artists coming down from far away places and showing their creativity in the making of the Pandals.[A place where Goddess Durga is kept and prayed during the Puja festival ]Sometimes the creations in the interiors/exteriors of the pandals is so beautifully done that is hard to believe when you see bamboo and Taal leaves twisted and cut to make beautiful designs. People line up in huge numbers to have the auspicious Khichdi bhog and kheer as Maa durga's prasad.

The last day of the Puja is also a great celebration when all married ladies are dressed up in the traditional attires of white and red border saree applying vermillion on each other 's faces enjoying the event called as "Sindurdaan ".

Last but not the least hope you had fun reading the Blog so next time you teach your Child B for Bat teach him/her B-Bengalis (LOL :P)

This blog is purely dedicated to my bengali relatives/friends who have been a very important part of my life .

Mom & Dad: Dad has a great sense of humor, beautiful heart, loves fish curries. Mom is very humble and has taught us all the important things in her own unique way.
Dada: A rational thinker, a good adviser and great in Skating and cricket.

Nina: My little Sister who is a great dancer, talkative, expressive with her beautiful eyes and has quite a good sense in fashion.

Bhabhi : She is responsible, very understanding a great choice when it comes to shopping and getting decked up (like a Posh Bengali ) and a great cook.

Saurav: Great sense of humor and a pleasing personality.

My hubby: Now 50% bengali especially for his love for Bengali sweets and his desire/efforts to learn the language

Tulika: My friend who is a talented Kathak dancer and is very good in drawing/painting. Has an amazing sense of humor and was the first gal whom I met in my school .She kept teasing me on my first day asking me my name in numerous times :P

Munmun: My Logical partner. I gave her this name cause I have always seen her logic stand out. Be it a physics problem or a question from nowhere .But she had it right and would not be afraid to speak her mind.

Pallabi: We became the best of buddies in 11th and 12th STD and then during my life in Pune.She is a talented Bharatnatyam dancer and we both still have the dream to sing a song together on a stage from the album "Viva"-"Jahar ho pyaar ka mausam ".

Suprabha: She is silent , quite and only with her smile wins everyone's hearts.If she would not have been there who would have heard Pallabi's and mine's non stop Gupshup.

I have tried my best to compile a Blog which captures the essence of Bengalis.They are bold , open minded and are deep down good at heart :) 

Do add your comments if you have come across any bengali friend and incase I have missed any point ! :) 

Till then adieos !!!

PS: This post is based only my experience and creativity. Does not have any intentions of hurting anyone belonging to this community or other communities.