"The BeautiFood Standards" in Bengali
While exploring old Bengali literature, I often encounter descriptions of a person's beautiful features being compared to various food items. Similar to the phrase "Sharbati Aankhen" in Hindi/Urdu or "almond-shaped eyes" in English, we Bengalis have developed our own beauty standards influenced by food. Perhaps I could call it "BeautiFood standards."
Today, I thought of sharing with my readers some of the most popular "Beautifood Standards" most widely used in literature.
1. Potol Chera Chokh: It literally means eyes shaped like split pointed gourds or parwal. This phrase has been extensively used to describe a woman's beautiful and large eyes. However, if we consider it literally, the image may look...well...you decide..
Is it not "Beautifood?"
2. Paner Moton Mukh: The literal translation of the phrase is a face shaped like a betel leaf, which refers to heart-shaped facial features. If you've observed, many of the traditional sculptures of Durga idols and the Patachitra art from Bengal often depict women with these heart-shaped features. But if we think of it...like really give a thought about it....hmmm...ok...
"Beautifood" enough?
3. Dudhe Alta Gayer Rong: This is the most widely used term, which means complexion obtained from mixing milk and alta (red lac dye), a Bengali traditional beauty product used to adorn the feet and palms of women. In a poetic context, it refers to a rosy, pinkish complexion; however, if you are someone thinking like me, let's see how it looks..
Now, for the most important part of the entire story: the conclusion. In literary terms, if a woman embodies all these "beauty standards," she is often regarded as enchanting, much like a goddess (think of the Patachitras). However, I wanted to explore a literal interpretation of "beautifood." So, here it is—my imaginary creation.
Now tell me, is she not the most "Beautifood"?
P.S., In case you are wondering about the black dot under the lips, we are proudly presenting "kalo jirer moton til," a beauty spot resembling a nigella seed. (This is an absolutely novel term that has never been used before.)
This post is a part of #BlogchatterFoodFest
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
Entirely new to me, all of these. But I would love to try out these. When I visited Darjeeling, my consolation was a Bengali restaurant because my wife found all others otherworldly. There's something common to Bengali meal and Kerala meal: fish.
ReplyDeleteYes, true...both the states are fish-lovers.
DeleteThe way you tied beauty to food and culture, especially in the Bengali context, was so unique.
ReplyDeleteThanks, these are phrases widely used in Bengali literature.
DeleteIt’s so cool how you connected Bengali beauty descriptions with food, it made me smile and think differently about those phrases I’ve never heard. The idea of BeautiFood is fun and creative. Also, that black dot like a nigella seed is such a cute touch. Thanks for sharing this unique slice of culture in such a warm way. Looking forward to more posts like this.
ReplyDeleteAnjali Tripathi Upadhyay/Messymom
Other than the Nigella seed one, all are popular Bengali phrases
DeleteI do not understand Bengali, but food and beauty is a universal language. The Beautifood you created is not really beautiful is it.Was the song sharbati ankhen or gulaabi ankhen?
ReplyDeleteThat's the whole point...these popular Bengali phrases, if seen together, are not that appealing. Ye Reshmi Zulfein, Ye Sharbati Aankhen -Mohammed Rafi's song.
DeleteNice one Reubenna! To a foodie the last image is truly beautiful!! That brings to mind so many other such phrases in Hindi - Cheeks like Pomegranate ( Gaal jaise dehakte anaar " but I can't recall where I heard that song, Rasgulle se honth (lips like the rasogulla ) etc
ReplyDeleteHaha...yes, we have been hearing these phrases for so long...but when pictured, well, not that beautiful.
DeleteThis was such a fun and sharp read! I loved the mashup of food, folklore, and feminine beauty. ‘Potol chera chokh’ really made me pause and laugh out loud. Also, I’m now obsessed with ‘kalo jirer moton til’ ... give it a few years and it’ll be on beauty influencer slides!
ReplyDeleteLol...thanks, I am glad you got the humour in it.
DeleteThat was a hilarious take! Beautiful? Maybe not, but definitely beautifood! It had me chuckling throughout the read. Loved your witty interpretations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pinkii
DeleteI cannot admire enough how you have compared the food to beauty. Love your take on the food and its beauty
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteIt made me smile through it. I loved how you compared food and woman.
ReplyDeleteThanks, these are popular Bengali phrases, used widely in literature and colloquial speech
DeleteWow! Never knew food and beauty could be mixed like this.
ReplyDelete:-)
Deletedifferent for sure. It's given me food for thought, because I've always food more useful for beauty needs externally, not in facial features.
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks Ambica...these are popular Bengali phrases
DeleteSuch an adorable post! Had me smiling throughout. Not sure if I would still be smiling if I recieved any of these compliments though!:))) Mayuri/Sirimiri
ReplyDeleteExactly my point...:-)
DeleteDear Reubena... aj bangalatei likhi ektu tomar. Eche korche tomar jariye dhore khub hasi. You are bringing that lost charm of Bengali Language through your post. Lost long those phrases we used to hear when we were kids... tomake anek anek bhalobasa bangla bhasa ka e bhabhe tule dhorar janno.
ReplyDeleteKhub bhalo laglo tomar comment ta pore...dekho ei kotha gulo actually khub funny...kintu jokhon written ba spoken context e amra use kori, tokhon kintu kichu mone hoi na.
DeleteI had no idea about these terms, such an interesting and unique perspective! I'm now totally imagining potol chera chokh and paner moton mukh just like you described. The visuals you created with words are too good. :D
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Neha
DeleteFinal image, where you have brought all the beutyfood terms in one face, made me laugh out loud!
ReplyDeleteThanks :-)
DeleteHaha! This was fun! I love these beautifood terms you shared! :)
ReplyDeleteI have lived in Kolkata for a few years and have come across these words. If you literally translate them, they sometimes sound odd. Love the word you coined - beautifood. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you Maam
DeleteThis was absolutely hilarious!! Loved reading this and seeing your creations!! The final face at the end with the 'til' took the cake!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks
DeleteThis hilariously literal take on classic Bengali beauty metaphors is a feast of wit! “BeautiFood standards” is genius—equal parts cultural homage and cheeky commentary. Truly, beauty never tasted so quirky!
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks Kanchan
DeleteInteresting. I'm raised in Kolkata, so I'm half-Bong myself. Oh yes, Bengalis tend to be very dramatic when it comes to descriptions. Terms like "kuch kuche kalo" and not just "kalo" tells you exactly what to imagine, or "tok toke laal," for that matter. I enjoyed your piece, esp the last part of it. Ishhhh... "O go shundori" is what the heart wants to say.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...those descriptive phrases make a lot of difference in our speech and writing too. The last phrase is superb...:-P
DeleteOh wow this was new. The almond was something I heard of but the rest were new.
ReplyDeleteGreat
DeleteThis is the most creative blog I read today. The way you depicted food with beauty is mind-blowing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words
DeleteI am familiar with all these phrases, courtesy my mom. Bengali language is absolutely divine, sadly I am not an expert in it.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that despite not being an expert, you are familiar with these phrases.
DeleteHaha, quite an amazing comparison, I must say. A few more are Banshkatir Moto Sorir, Amer Moto Gaal, and many more.
ReplyDeleteI loved your deep dive into Bengali film standards—your thoughtful comparisons resonated with my own viewing experiences. You’ve inspired me to approach cinema more mindfully, appreciating nuance in storytelling and craft. Thank you for enriching my appreciation of regional art!
ReplyDelete