Ilish Macher Paturi is a typical 'East Bengal Dish'. To simplify, a Bengali platter can be also be distinguished in two categories depending upon the items present. People of erstwhile 'East Bengal' (present-day Bangladesh) are famous for their obsession for Hilsa or Ilish. Post partition, in 1947, many who migrated from East Bengal to West Bengal (In India) brought along their love for Hilsa to this side of the country as well. Today, Hilsa is a global sensation. It is primarily found in Bangladesh's Padma river, which is why it is also the National Fish of the country. Hilsa is one of the most expensive fishes you can ever find, because you cannot find it all year round, and its population is also receding. Which is why, even in Bengal nowadays people prepare Hilsa only on special ocassions, and this dish where Ilish fish is coated in mustard seeds paste and wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, adds to the joy.