The varied “Mangal Kabya” were introduced into the ancient literature of Bengal during 14th n15th centuries. The Welfare Verses sang the well-being n happiness, festivities n sufferings in the folk -life of contemporary Bengal. The verses were inspired by changing seasons, bounty of nature, rain-fall n harvest ,crops in the fields and rivers, grace of God and likes.” Ilish Mangals “present tales of intense pleasure of the people owing to the fish. ILISH animates folk-life with it’s unique taste, smell, and zest on the superiority of the varied cuisines far n wide. Also narrates traditional ovation given to a symbolic pair of fresh fish, smearing their bodies with vermilion n turmeric paste, lighting lamps n singing songs of hope etc. (celebrating advent of the Ilish -season)
Interestingly, in early 19th Century the “Ilish Mangal”became obvious once, in the life of Swami Vivekananda. Swamiji was travelling by a steamer bound for Goalnanda, Dacca .He noticed fishermen on a small boat, catching Ilish from the river. Swamiji ,known for his preference in food expressed to the Sareng of the vessel — his wish for a meal with lukewarm rice, fried Ilish n fish head curry cooked with “puin shak” .Accordingly the Sareng arranged for the fish from the fishing boat n collected “puin shak ” from a villager’s garden on the way n prepared Swamiji’s meal. Swamiji enjoyed his food that day n on his way back stopped by the side of that village and blessed n g,uided the owner of the “Puin” garden on his spiritual upliftment.
After many years ,Swamiji once again was excited to notice from the riverside end of Belur Math, quite a few fishing boats busy in the Ganges, catching Ilish from the river. Swami Premananda reported, that day a couple of good size fresh
Ilish were purchased for the kitchen of Belur Math. At the sight of the fishes Swamiji was unusually happy like a child. He was served with a good mid-day meal with various Ilish items of fry, curry cooked with mustard paste, sour-fish etc. He enjoyed the meal with his heart’s content.
Bhapa Shorshey Ilish Begun Diye
Premananda Maharaj sadly concluded, however that was the last meal Swamiji could be served with. He passed away that night.
