Book of Days Tales

International Mother Language Day (IMLD) (Bengali: আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবস Antôrjatik Matribhasha Dibôs) is a worldwide annual observance held on this date to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages.

The date of International Mother Language Day corresponds to the day in 1952 when students from the University of Dhaka, Jagannath University and Dhaka Medical College, demonstrating for the recognition of Bangla (Bengali) as one of the two national languages of East Pakistan, were shot dead by police near the Dhaka High Court in the capital of present-day Bangladesh.

Bengali dishes are richly flavorful with dals being common comfort foods.  They can be made with a variety of dried legumes.  Masoor dal and chana dal are favorites.  You will find plenty of recipes online for them but their ingredient lists include panch phoron, a common five-spice mix which you may not be able to find. Here is the basic recipe. 

Ingredients

1 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp brown mustard seeds
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tbsp nigella seeds also called black cumin or kalonji
1 ½ tsp fenugreek seeds

Instructions

Mix together and keep in an airtight jar.

When ready to use dry fry the needed amount for a few minutes to release their aromas. They can also be crushed in a mortar.