In just a few short months, my husband and I will be celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary. The time has been both long and short. I think about our wedding a lot. It was one of the funnest experiences I have ever had. We had the opportunity to do both an Indian and American ceremonies. We got the best of Eastern and Western traditions. With Mother’s Day coming up, I have been more reminiscent of the tradition of “Aye Buro Baath,” which I think of as the Bengali version of a bachelorette party.
Traditionally, this is a ladies only event where the bride-to-be is invited to feast on all of her favorite foods. The bride’s mother, aunts, and friends will prepare what may be her last meal as a single woman. In addition to all of the food, the bride is also presented with gifts. These gifts do not have anything to do with her upcoming wedding, husband-to-be, or new home. These gifts are just for her.
I don’t remember the fun gifts. What I think about now is how much thoughtfulness and love went into the dishes that my mother made for me as well as my aunts. How good were the aloo parathas, the rasagolas, dhokla and idli? It was the best dinner. And it was made for me by strong, loving women who always want the best for me.