Fish as an Epitome of a Rich Cultural History: Documenting the Cultural and Socio-religious Practices Surrounding Fish in Fish-loving Bengali Societies

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It is not just about a fine luncheon packed with omega-3 fatty acids and proteins that a fish caters to us. Rather it is like an intense passion for the fish rising from the deepest part of a Mecho Bengali’s (Bengali people who love to eat fish) heart which goes to the extent of being reflected as an eye catching moment in a wedding or in a temple where fish plays a significant role ranging from its rituals to recipes. We, the Bengali people, not only use fish in our food but also worship them. Fish is considered very auspicious and lucky before starting something good and important in our life as the fish (one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) becomes the rescuer of all living beings during the time of the great flood as is stated in the ‘Matsya Purana’. Since ancient times fish has been considered a symbol of divine power and luck. This paper has put forward an honest effort to develop an understanding of the social, cultural, and religious significance of fish in Bengali societies. From economic importance in the fishing industry to folklore, mythology, religion, art, and literature, fish plays a significant role. In a wedding, there are some rituals related to fish starting from the Tatta to the bride’s welcoming day and then there is a sudden shift in this discourse. And this shift is found in the fish bhog tradition that the paper also tried to brief in this very discourse.