The “Bangalee way” in the sense of a single, linear way is a myth at best, and nationalist propaganda at worst.

Pahela Baishakh celebrations seem incomplete without plates of Panta Bhaat, served with Bhorta or fish. For decades, Bangalees, on their New Year, have been treating themselves to the traditional delicacies.

At least fifty people including women and children fall sick after having Panta-Ilish at a Bangla New Year celebration programme organised by the Kachua Upazila Parishad in Bagerhat.