Jamai Sasthi

In 2025, Jamai Sasthi will be celebrated on 1st June.

Jamai Sasthi is a beloved Bengali festival that celebrates the unique bond between the son-in-law and his in laws. 

It is observed on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha which is the waxing moon phase in the Bengali month of Joishtho which falls somewhere in May or June according to the Gregorian Calendar.

The Origins of Jamai Sasthi

The origins of Jamai Sasthi is deep-rooted in ancient mythology that included evolving societal traditions. 

The festival is coupled with the worshiping of Goddess Shasthi the deity that is associated with children, fertility, and the welfare of the family.

As per a popular legend, a housewife once wrongly blamed a cat who is the vahana or vehicle of Goddess Shasthi of stealing food which the housewife ate herself.

This made Goddess Shasthi furious, and she punished the housewife by taking away her child. 

 The distraught mother, filled with remorse, sought forgiveness from the goddess through prayers and rituals.

Touched by her repentance, Goddess Shasthi restored the child, imparting the lesson of honesty and humility.

This story inspired the tradition of Shasthi Puja, where prayers are offered to the goddess for the well-being of children and family.

Over time, this ritual evolved into Jamai Sasthi, celebrating not only family bonds but also the son-in-law’s role within the family.

In ancient Bengal, societal norms often restricted married daughters from frequent visits to their parental homes.

Jamai Sasthi became a way to reunite families, with the married daughter and her husband invited home for a grand celebration, fostering love and strengthening ties.

How to Celebrate Jamai Sasthi

The traditions and customs of Jamai Sasthi are very cultural and deeply symbolic that blends familial warmth and mythology. 

• Shasthi Puja: The day starts with the mother-in-law worshiping Goddess Sasthi to pray for the health, prosperity, and happiness of her son-in-law and her daughter. The rituals often include offerings of fruits, sweets, and symbolic items to the deity.

• The Son-in-law's Welcome: Upon arriving at the in-law's house with their daughter, the son-in-law is given a grand welcome that includes a tilak ceremony and aarti to bless him- a gesture symbolizing respect and affection.

• A Rich Feast: Food is at the heart of Jamai Sasthi. The mother-in-law prepares a grand spread featuring traditional Bengali delicacies. Popular dishes include fish curry (macher jhol), prawns in mustard sauce (chingri malai curry), mutton curry (kosha mangsho), and an array of sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi (sweetened yogurt).

• Exchange of Gifts: The son-in-law receives gifts from his in-laws, ranging from clothing and accessories to household items. These tokens of affection strengthen bonds and convey the family’s love and appreciation.

• Family Bonding: The day is marked by laughter, conversations, and shared moments. It is a time for the entire family to come together, creating cherished memories.