Boishakh with Ishita

One of the leading small screen actresses, Rumana Rashid Ishita, is choosy about her roles. And now the former Natun Kuri champion has turned director as well. In a recent conversation, she talked about what Boishakh spelt for her both in the past and present.
“In my childhood, Boishakh celebrations started very early in the morning. After finishing my dance classes at Bulbul Lalitakala Academy around 7am, I used to go to Raman Botomul along with my parents. That was the high point of the day and it still resonates in my mind.
“Savouring panta or hilsa was not a priority at our house on Boishakh. Usually it was just khichuri and sandesh (sweets).
“With time, Boishakh is celebrated with grandeur. I usually prepare different delicacies on the day. On the first day of Boishakh, we celebrate at my in-laws, where I cook different items. In the evening we spend time at my parent's house and relish my mother's cooking.
“It has become a ritual to wear red and white sari on Pahela Boishakh. I greatly enjoy the typical Bengali panta-illish on the day. This time also I spent the day with my family in Dhaka.”