Bishu

Today is a special day for us. It is the last day of the Hindu calender year. On this day we the Bishnupriya Manipuri community make special offerings to the Lord. We cook different pure vegetarian delicacies and make the offerings on a banana leaf outside the main gate. The offering is done by the eldest member of the family. After the offering is done the cooked items are exchanged among the neighbors and relatives and than consumed. This festival is known as Bishu.

On this day the whole house is cleaned and the kitchen is mainly cleaned of all non-veg items. Once properly cleaned the food is cooked. On this day the alters and deities of every household is cleaned and new clothes are worn by all. It is said that in ancient times on this day the offering was made of 108 food items. But now a days due to many reasons it is practiced no more.

It is believed that by cleaning the house, wearing new clothes and worshiping the Lord everyone is preparing to welcome the new year with fresh enthusiasm and hoping for a smooth new year. 

But since this year my mother-in-law expired we are not supposed to perform this ritual. But I am sharing with you all a few photographs taken last year.

 

Since in this congested city life it is not possible to make the offerings outside the main gate, we offered it on our terrace.. 

 

Anindya doing the offering..

 

 Akanksha doing pranama after the offering..

 

The platter ready to be consumed. On this day we sit on the floor to eat our food..

 

Anindya and Akanksha sitting in the traditional way to have their food..

Since here we have no relatives nearby and no neighbors of the same community we do no exchange of food but we always share what we cook, with our landlord. On this day, we prefer to stay home and welcome the new year in a peaceful manner and also make it a point not to eat outside.