Meherpur’s 'Sabitri', 'Ras Kadam' sweets retain their legacy for 150 years

For one and a half centuries, the traditional sweets "Sabitri" and "Ras Kadam" of Meherpur have continued to captivate sweet lovers with their distinct taste and quality.

Sabitri resembles the popular sweet Chomchom, though it is slightly longer and flatter in shape, while Ras Kadam is round and juicy. Together, they stand as symbols of Meherpur's heritage — enjoyed both at home and abroad. From weddings to family gatherings, hospitality seems incomplete without these two sweets.

The craft of making Sabitri has been passed down through generations since the British period. The first sweet maker was Basudeb Saha, who began making the sweet in 1861 at his home in Meherpur's Bara Bazar area. He named it "Sabitri", inspired by the purity and devotion of the mythological character "Soti Sabitri." What started as a household craft soon gained fame among the local 'Zamindars' (landlords) and gradually spread across the country — and even beyond its borders.

Basudeb's son Rabindranath Saha continued to carry the family legacy, maintaining the same recipe and tradition. Even today, the makers avoid hiring outside workers to ensure purity and consistency in flavour.

Currently, the family business is run by Bikash Saha, grandson of Basudeb, who still follows the age-old method.

"We never refrigerate milk or sweets as refrigeration ruins the flavour. Every morning, we collect fresh milk and boil it over a wood fire for hours before preparing 'Sabitri' the next day. We adjust the milk quantity based on daily orders," said Bikash Saha.

He added, "Rising prices of milk, sugar, and firewood, along with occasional milk shortages, make production challenging". 

"We now make around 30 to 40 kilograms of sweets per day," Bikash said, adding, "We also avoid outsourcing the recipe to prevent adulteration, because any compromise could damage the 150-year-old reputation." At present, both 'Sabitri' and 'Ras Kadam' are sold at Tk530 per kilogram.

Resident Muradur Rahman said, "I first heard about 'Sabitri' from relatives. After tasting it, we became regular customers. We even send it to our relatives abroad."

Veteran journalist and writer Tojammel Azam noted, "When you talk about Meherpur's history and heritage, the name 'Sabitri' inevitably comes up. We've grown up with this sweet. Even after changing hands, the artisans have kept its glory intact."

Over 150 years later, Meherpur's 'Sabitri' and 'Ras Kadam' continue to represent not only exquisite taste but also an enduring symbol of purity, tradition, and pride for the region.