...the bone chilling Bihar cold ...as we siblings huddle near Ma over the Earthen heath where " Makar Sankranti" preparations are underway ... the kitchen is warm and definitely Ma is sweating and toiling over the heat of the oven ....the crackling sound of the ground rice paste milky white in color spread evenly over the pan diligently being spread over the edges with a cut brinjal with its stalk serving as a handle to smoothly outline the paste as it starts crackling over the simmering heat : this would serve as the wrap over a sweetened cheese with condiments and grated coconut , the preparation in bengal being called "Patisaapta". All eyes are glued as the delicacy is special on this particular Sankranti occasion. As we eat the hot preparation : the ethereal experience well etched in memory .....Ah ! Memories ....Ma : Her Golden hand of a Culinary skill unparalleled & irreplaceable : Laced with her stellar preparations was her Love , bountiful & in all Munificence ...the thin pair of hands with equally thin Golden Bangles wearing off over the years while managing her family with elan ....The unmistakable "Payas"was the Cynosure of all eyes and She had a formidable reputation in that & we brothers had a disputed stake over the utensils in which it was prepared as the Payas tasted lot more when partaken from the utensil directly ....We called the festivity more as Til Sankranti which held a spl place in our young hearts thanks to the delicacies .....
