This artwork is my homage to the traditional Bengali thali—not merely as food, but as memory, ritual, and lived experience. It reflects the quiet poetry of everyday meals that have shaped my sense of home and belonging.

At the heart of the composition lies a simple mound of white rice, placed gently on a fresh banana leaf. It represents grounding and nourishment, the anchor of a Bengali meal. Surrounding it are familiar companions—dal glowing with warmth, seasonal vegetables, leafy greens, fried delicacies, chutney, papad, curd, and sweets—each occupying its own space, yet together forming a harmonious whole. The arrangement follows the unspoken order found in traditional households, where balance is as important as abundance.

From an artist’s perspective, this work is about structure and generosity coexisting. Bengali cuisine does not rely on excess; it is thoughtful, layered, and deeply connected to the seasons. I chose earthy terracotta tones for the plates, deep greens for the banana leaf, and warm natural hues for the food to echo the familiarity of clay utensils and wooden dining tables. These colors are meant to feel comforting, almost tactile, like memories you can reach out and touch.

This piece belongs to my Bengali Food Series, where food becomes a visual language for nostalgia. Each bowl tells a story—of shared lunches, of meals served with care, of quiet conversations and inherited traditions. The thali is not staged for spectacle; it is presented as it would be in a home, honest and complete.

Ultimately, this artwork is less about what is served and more about what is remembered. It celebrates the simplicity, dignity, and emotional richness of Bengali food culture—where a meal is never just a meal, but an expression of love, identity, and continuity.

— Shanta