BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 11th January 2026: With Poush Sankranti around the corner, the village of Gokulnagar has once again turned into a hub of festive activity. The age-old custom of preparing tillai and batasha, the signature sweets of the season has brought families together in a spirited effort to uphold tradition.
For Hindu Bengalis, Poush Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is among the most cherished festivals. It is marked by nagar kirtans, household rituals, and the popular Harir Loot, where these sweets hold a central place.
Inside the workshop of veteran artisan Ramapada Pal, the scene is one of bustling energy. Generations of the Pal family, from children to elders, are engaged in shaping the delicacies. His mother, Anjali Pal, now in her sixties, recalls joining the craft at the age of 15. “Earlier, we worked from dawn till midnight during this season. Age has slowed me down, but I still join my children and grandchildren to keep the tradition alive,” she said.
Yet, behind the festive cheer lies a growing struggle. Ramapada admits that the shortage of workers has made production increasingly difficult. “People are no longer interested in learning this craft. Apart from two hired laborers, we depend entirely on family members. How long we can continue like this is uncertain,” he remarked.
The profession, once the family’s main livelihood, has seen dwindling returns. In earlier years, preparations began six weeks ahead of Sankranti, drawing curious crowds to witness the process. Today, work starts barely two weeks before the festival, with enthusiasm among locals fading. Rising labor costs have added further strain. “Maintaining this ancestral occupation has become a challenge in today’s busy lifestyle,” Ramapada observed.
Still, the spirit of Sankranti endures. Across Gokulnagar, young girls, elderly women, and men are joining hands to preserve the heritage of sweet-making. The clatter of utensils, the fragrance of jaggery and sesame, and the collective effort of families echo a timeless determination to safeguard a tradition woven into the cultural fabric of the region.
As the festival approaches, the artisans of Unakoti continue their quiet battle, not merely to produce sweets, but to protect a legacy that binds community, culture, and celebration.
