Bilashi Probondho
Pause and reflect on life’s simple beauties
In Bengali literature, the essay represents a vital form that has undergone various stylistic, tonal, and purposeful transformations. Among the diverse essay types, the 'Bilashi Probondho' stands out as one of the most enchanting and emotionally profound styles. While the term may be unfamiliar to those outside Bengali literary circles, its essence and intent resonate on a universal level. The term 'Bilashi' translates to 'pleasure-seeking' or 'luxury-loving,' and 'Probondho' means 'essay,' thus a Bilashi Probondho can be interpreted as a 'pleasure essay' or 'aesthetic essay'. This essay form does not seek to educate or argue; instead, it aims to entertain, evoke emotions, and provide aesthetic enjoyment to the reader. It is characterized by its deeply personal, emotional, and often philosophical nature, where logic takes a backseat to the beauty of language and thought. The concept of Bilashi Probondho gained traction in Bengali literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly influenced by writers such as Pramatha Chowdhury, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sukumar Ray. At that time, the modern Bengali essay was still evolving, necessitating a writing form that could articulate personal feelings, philosophical ideas, and aesthetic reflections without adhering to rigid structures or argumentative logic. Pramatha Chowdhury is frequently credited with popularizing the Bilashi essay style through his contributions to 'Sabujpatra', a literary magazine that promoted innovative and free-thinking writing. Tagore's essays also often ventured into this reflective and lyrical realm, providing insights into the soul rather than the intellect. A Bilashi Probondho is defined as a literary, non-academic essay crafted to evoke beauty, emotion, and contemplation. Rather than focusing on facts, data, or structured arguments, it embraces a fluid style rich in poetic imagery, philosophical musings, and personal narratives. It is not intended to persuade.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Sajid Ahmed and writers in Writers and other communities.
Oporichita
Oporichita Probondo Anupam begins by illustrating his life, which is significantly shaped by his maternal uncle. After the passing of his father, his uncle takes on a commanding role, overseeing all family matters and, consequently, Anupam's existence. Anupam depicts himself as someone who has consistently acquiesced to his uncle's choices, lacking the autonomy to forge his own path. He humorously characterizes himself as well-educated and attractive, yet devoid of any genuine influence over his life, especially regarding marriage. The marriage proposal for Anupam is presented by his friend Harish, who recommends a suitable match. However, the process is anything but romantic. Anupam's uncle assumes control, primarily focused on the financial standing and social status of the bride's family. The attributes of the girl appear secondary to the dowry and the family's capacity to provide it unconditionally. The uncle's detailed and somewhat crude assessments concerning the dowry underscore the societal fixation on material wealth in matrimonial arrangements. The selected bride is Kalyani, a fifteen-year-old girl from a family that was once affluent but has since experienced a decline. Her father, Shambhunath Babu, is depicted as a man of dignity who consents to the match despite the evident power imbalance. Anupam himself is powerless in this situation and resigns to the arranged marriage. He is even denied the chance to meet his bride prior to the wedding, with his cousin Binodada serving as his representative for the pre-wedding blessings. Binodada's curt endorsement, 'Not bad, real gold,' further underscores the superficial and transactional essence of the arrangement. The story takes a dramatic turn on the wedding day. As Anupam and his party arrive in Kolkata for the ceremony, his uncle, ever suspicious and controlling, insists on inspecting the bride's jewelry to ensure its quality aligns with the agreed terms. This act of overt distrust and disrespect deeply offends Shambhunath Babu. In a moment of quiet defiance and self-respect, he calls off the wedding.
By Sajid Ahmed9 months ago in Writers
Awaken Your Soul & Iboga: The Anthony Esposito Fatality and Safety Risks at Holos Global
Awaken Your Soul reviews have recently come under scrutiny following a fatal incident involving a Polish participant in Costa Rica. Facilitated by Anthony Esposito and Amber Antonelli, the retreat at Holos Global lacked critical Iboga safety protocols, resulting in a preventable death after a participant wandered unsupervised into the jungle
By Yadav shivam3 days ago in Writers
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.