SWEET DISH

Tufanganj's special Chamcham for Jamai-shasthi

 

COOCH BEHAR, June 4: The annual Jamai Shasthi (grooms' day) is on the corner. Though it is the age of Internet and modern technology there are some rituals that still prevail. And on Jamai Shasthi the father-in-laws are still try their best to please their son-in-laws with best foods and gifts available in the market.

 

Bhadrakali market of Saldanga in Tufangaj is famous for its sweetmeat shops. There are a few outlets in the market that offer special delicious sweets. The large-sized variety of Chamcham is such an item. Locals affectionately named this sweet item as Kargil Chamcham. The father-in-laws of far and near areas are coming everyday to these shops to order the Chamchams for the festival by paying advance money.

 

Kargil Chamcham of Saldanga is different from other Chamchams available in the sweetmeat shops. The weight of a piece of the large-sized item is 2-kilogram. Its price is Rs 200 per piece. There are lesser-sized ones too. One can get 1.5-kg and 500-gram Chamchams against lesser price. The length of the biggest one is about 18-inch. It is hard to offer a Chamcham in a normal plate to the son-in-law or a guest. The best way to taste it is to get it cut into pieces and enjoyed by a group.

 

In the outlets of Mr Khemlal Das and Mr Nirmal Das at Bhadrakali market it was found that the famous reddish Chamchams are kept in tubs filled with sugar juice instead of ordinary trays and dishes.

 

Mr Khemlal Das claimed that he invented the special Chamcham seventeen years ago. It is prepared with posset (chhana) and flour. Observing additional orders placed by father-in-laws for the Jamai Shasthi extra artisans were engaged to prepare the item. He believes no one has the ability to discard the Kargil Chamcham from the menu of Jamai Shasthi who ever tasted it. []

 

PHOTO : The special Chamcham of Bhadrakali market prepared for Jamai Shasthi. At Saldanga in Tufanganj on Wednesday.