If you love Hilsa fish and nature, mark your calendar for the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2024! This festival, also known as the Sundarban Ilish Festival, is a celebration of the delicious Hilsa fish, a Bengali delicacy. Held in the beautiful Sundarbans, this event is a perfect blend of culinary delight and natural splendor. Let’s explore what makes this festival so special and how you can plan an unforgettable Sundarban tour.
Celebrating the iconic Ilish fish amidst the scenic beauty of the Sundarbans. Discover exciting tour packages and immerse yourself in Sundarban tourism adventures from Kolkata.
What is the Sundarban Hilsa Festival?
The Sundarban Hilsa Festival is an annual event celebrating the Hilsa fish, also called “Ilish.” Renowned for its exquisite taste, the Hilsa fish is a staple in Bengali cuisine. During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of Hilsa dishes prepared by local chefs, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Bengal.
Departure Dates of Hilsa Festival 2024
19th July, 26th July, 9th August, 15th August, 17th August, 23rd August, 30th August for 2 Nights 3 Days Sundarban Tour Package from Kolkata and Godhkhali.
Highlights of the Festival
Hilsa Delicacies: Taste a variety of delicious Hilsa dishes such as “Ilish Bhapa” (steamed Hilsa), “Ilish Paturi” (Hilsa wrapped in banana leaves and steamed), and “Ilish Bhaja” (fried Hilsa).
Cultural Performances: Enjoy lively performances of traditional Bengali music and dance, celebrating the vibrant culture of the Sundarbans.
Boat Tours: Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Sundarbans on boat tours through mangrove forests. Keep an eye out for the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger!
Cooking Workshops: Learn Cooking by expert chefs to learn how to prepare delicious Hilsa dishes.
Local Markets: Visit local markets to discover fresh Hilsa fish, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs, offering a glimpse into local life and culture.
Why is Hilsa Fish Special in Indian and Bangladeshi Cooking?
Hilsa fish holds a special place in Indian and Bangladeshi cooking for its rich, delicate flavor, cultural significance, and versatility in various traditional dishes. It is prized for its unique taste, considered a symbol of prosperity in local traditions, and can be prepared in diverse ways that highlight its natural flavors.
Hilsa fish, known as Ilish in Bengali, is considered a delicacy in Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine for several reasons:
Unique Flavor: Hilsa is celebrated for its distinctive taste, which is often described as unmatched and pure divine1.
Cultural Significance: It holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, being the state fish of West Bengal and the national fish of Bangladesh1.
Culinary Versatility: There are numerous traditional dishes that feature Hilsa, showcasing its versatility in cooking methods like steaming, frying, or grilling12.
Seasonal Availability: Hilsa is a monsoon fish, not easily available throughout the year, which adds to its exclusivity and anticipation for its season2.
Cultural Celebrations: It’s an integral part of celebrations and festivals, often making it a symbol of festivity and pride among Bengalis3.
The preparation of Hilsa in dishes like Ilish Bhapa, Shorshe Ilish, and Ilish Paturi involves marinating the fish with spices and cooking it in mustard oil or wrapping it in banana leaves, which imparts a unique flavor profile that is highly cherished. The buttery texture of the fish combined with the pungent flavor of mustard and other spices creates a culinary experience that is deeply rooted in the region’s culture and cuisine.
Different Ilish Dishes During Festival
During the Hilsa Festival, various delicious dishes are showcased, each highlighting the unique flavors of Hilsa fish:
- Ilish Bhapa: Steamed Hilsa fish marinated in mustard paste and coconut, wrapped in banana leaves for a flavorful infusion.
- Ilish Paturi: Hilsa fish filets coated with a spicy mustard paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and steam-cooked to perfection.
- Ilish Bhaja: Crispy fried Hilsa fish slices, seasoned with turmeric and spices, offering a delightful crunch and robust flavor.
- Ilish Jhol: A light curry preparation of Hilsa fish with potatoes in a flavorful broth of turmeric, ginger, and green chilies.
- Ilish Korma: A rich and creamy Hilsa fish curry cooked with yogurt, almonds, and a blend of aromatic spices.
These dishes not only showcase the versatility of Hilsa fish in Bengali cuisine but also celebrate its exquisite taste during festive occasions like the Hilsa Festival.
Our Sundarban Hilsa Utsav Tour Menu
Day 1
Breakfast:
- Welcome Drinks
- Luchi (Fried Bread)
- Alur Dam (Spicy Potatoes)
- Misti (Sweet)
- Tea
Lunch:
- Basmati Rice
- Dal (Lentil Curry)
- Beguni (Eggplant Fritters)
- Ilisher Tel (Hilsa in Mustard Sauce)
- Ilish Macher Matha die Kachur Sak (Taro Stems with Hilsa Fish Head)
- Hilsa Paturi (Hilsa wrapped in Banana Leaves)
- Dab Chingri (Prawn Curry)
- Misti Doi (Sweet Yogurt)
- Chatni (Chutney)
- Papad Vaja (Fried Papad)
Snacks:
- Fish Pakora (Fried Fish Fritters)
- Salad
- Tea/Coffee
Dinner:
- Travel Chuti Chhuti Special Khichuri (Mixed Rice and Lentil Hotchpotch)
- Begun Vaja/Begun Pora (Fried Eggplant)
- Egg Fry
- Hilsa Fry
Day 2
Breakfast:
- Naan (Indian Bread)
- Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
- Sweet
- Tea/Coffee
Lunch:
- Steamed Basmati Rice
- Dal
- Alu Fry (Fried Potatoes)
- Ichor Chingri/Potol Chingri (Prawn with Jackfruit Seeds/Potol with Prawns)
- Hilsa Bhapa (Steamed Hilsa)
- Lau Pata Ilish (Hilsa wrapped in Bottle Gourd Leaves)
- Green Salad
- Chutney
- Papad Vaja
Snacks:
- Chicken Pakora (Fried Chicken Fritters)
- Tea/Coffee
Dinner:
- Basanti Poalo (Sweetened Bread)
- Alur Dam
- Mutton Kosha (Spicy Mutton Curry)
- Salad
Day 3
Breakfast:
- Alu Parota (Stuffed Potato Paratha)
- Vegetable
- Boiled Egg
- Tea/Coffee
Lunch:
- Hilsa Biryani
- Chicken Chaap (Chicken in Gravy)
- Ilisher Tok (Tangy Hilsa Curry)
- Papad
Each day offers a delightful variety of dishes showcasing the unique flavors of Hilsa fish and other traditional Bengali cuisine, perfect for celebrating the Sundarban Hilsa Fish Utsav.
Our Sundarban Hilsa Fish Festival Tour also Includes
- Sealdah to Canning and Canning to Sealdah Train Fare included.
- Pick-up and drop from Canning to Ferrighat by Auto.
- All meals included: Bed tea, breakfast, lunch, tiffin, dinner as per package schedule.
- Jungle permission and entry fee covered.
- Boat safari experience.
- Tour manager and government tourist guide provided.
- Local folk cultural program included.
- Mattress and pillow provided on the launch.
Please note: Our launch does not offer luxurious facilities for overnight stays, catering primarily to adventure enthusiasts.
Do you want to know how to contact Sundarban National Tourism to book a slot in Sundarban Hilsa Festival Day slots? Please call 9832761799 / 8617352330 or you may send an email to sundarbannationaltourisms@gmail.com, and you will get a reply about the program, available tour packages, etc. within the next 24 hours.
