With the onset of Jaishtho, known colloquially as “Modhumas,” according to the Bangla calendar, various fruits are being harvested. The air is now filled with the natural aroma of every juicy fruit.
According to the Bengali calendar, Jaishtho starts today, Wednesday (May 15), marking the beginning of the farewell to Boishakh. Although traditionally, Chaitra is referred to as “Modhumas” in the Bengali dictionary, the term has now come to represent Jaishtho for the fruit-loving Bengalis. In their mouths, tongues, and beliefs, Jaishtho seems to embody the sweetness of honey.
With Jaishtho’s arrival, trees are laden with various delicious fruits everywhere. In the midst of this, every market in the city or village is adorned with a variety of fruits. The sweet aroma of ripe fruits and the buzzing of bees fill the air everywhere. Jaishtho brings with it the festive atmosphere of fruit abundance. Fruits will be exchanged as gifts among households.
In various regions of Khulna division, especially Satkhira, Meherpur, and Chuadanga, mangoes are being harvested from trees, some tinged with orange, some with yellow, and some a mixture of both colors. Each mango has its own name. Meanwhile, lychees are also ripening on trees, with birds chirping during the day and bats at night. The ripe jamuns are oozing juice, tempting everyone’s taste buds.
Jaamrul, pineapple, guava, ata, watermelon, jackfruit, Bengal quince, wood apple, cantaloupe, jambura, kaufla, rose apple, kamranga, lotkon, and other fruits have enriched Bengali cuisine. The abundance of these nutritious fruits has added to the uniqueness of Jaishtho.
During Jaishtho, fresh fruits will spread their aroma in village markets. Not only in the markets but also in city fruit shops, a variety of fruits will be displayed.
Although some unscrupulous traders have brought some fruits to the market using various harmful chemicals to make them appear fresh, some fruits have reached the market with the fruit-bearing branches. It is being appealed to everyone to be aware of this malpractice.
Mr. Moshaddique Hossain, Senior Agricultural Officer of the Khulna region of the Department of Agricultural Extension, said, “The sweetness and deliciousness of the fruits of Jaishtho are in line with our tradition. Local fruits are a significant part of our culture, civilization, and tradition. The fruits of Jaishtho enhance the beauty of the environment and are unique in taste and nutrition.”
He added, “Some unscrupulous businessmen are harvesting (picking for the market) fruits before they are fully ripe, with the hope of making more profit. As a result, consumers are deprived of the taste and nutrition of the fruits. Therefore, it is advised to harvest (ripe and market-ready) fruits in the fields to prevent this malpractice.”
