The first sweet that comes to mind when talking about the renowned Sandesh of Beliatore in Bankura is the Mecha Sandesh. Mecha Sandesh is made without any milk or chhena (paneer), which sets it apart. Though originally from Beliatore, this delicacy is cherished not only in Bankura but throughout Bengal. Interestingly, about 20 families in Beliatore still craft this traditional sweet.
This centuries-old creation received a GI (Geographical Indication) tag recently; this tag is awarded to products that originate from a specific region, making them unique due to their location. The taste of Mecha Sandesh from Beliatore is distinct, standing apart from similar sweets made elsewhere, thanks to its authentic origin.
The history of mecha sandesh
The area now known as Bankura and Birbhum was historically called Mallabhum, named after the Malla Kings of Bishnupur, who ruled from the until the onset of British rule in India. In the 17th century, a milk shortage hit this arid region of Bengal, posing a challenge for the Malla kings, who were accustomed to having sweets at their royal feasts.
It was during this time that an unnamed culinary genius crafted a dessert using powdered gram flour, which came to be known as Mecha Sandesh. Between 1625 and 1635, this sweet gained widespread popularity.
Another version of the story mentions a village fair called “Baba Dhormodaser Mela,” where jaggery-based sandesh became a popular item.
How is it prepared?
To extend its shelf life, Girish Chandra Modak later gave the sweet a sugar coating. The region of Beliatore, where Mecha Sandesh originates, also has an interesting history. The name Beliatore evolved from the word "Balutore," which itself is derived from “Balu,” meaning sand in Bengali. The area used to experience floods, forming small sand dunes or hills, hence the name.
Besan is shaped into gathiya, which is then powdered and combined with kheer and sugar. This mixture is cooked, cooled, and kneaded with ghee and cardamom, before being formed into small round shapes. These balls are dipped in sugar syrup and left to dry on sal leaves.
There are only 40 shops in Bankura City and 10 in Rajgram village, Birbhum where this sweet is sold. In fact, many Bengali households in Bankura prepare their own version of Mecha Sandesh during festive times, believing that homemade sweets bring more blessings. As a result, the art of making this particular sandesh has become a familial tradition in many households, passed down from generation to generation.