Why ‘Maa’ Means Everything: A Glimpse of Bengali Love, Tradition, and Respect for All Women

Sarbabhouma Roy Majumder (Riddhi)

Growing up in a Bengali household feels like being wrapped in a soft cotton saree. It’s warm,

familiar, and full of love. In our culture, one word holds more meaning than anything else: Maa. She’s not just our mother. She’s our strength, our comfort, our protector, and the soul of the home.

Bengali moms give everything without asking for anything in return. My own mother would skip meals just to make sure me and my little brother had enough food. She’s the one who wakes up early to pack our lunches, reminds us to bring our jackets when it’s cold, and stands in the kitchen after a long day just so we can eat our favourite food. Her love isn’t always loud, but it’s in every little thing she does.

In Bengali families, Maa doesn’t just mean one person. We grow up with many mother figures who raise us with just as much love. My Masima — who I call Monima, because she means

more to me than just an aunt — has always been one of those people. She did every little thing to deal with my constant wants, no matter how random or silly they were. She always kept me happy, just like a mother would. I love her so much for that, and I know not everyone gets to

grow up with that kind of love from more than one person. I feel lucky.

We don’t just call our aunts “aunties” like in English. We give them names that reflect the bond.

For me, Monima means a second mom. She is a living proof that in our culture, love doesn’t divide — it multiplies.

One thing I’ve learned from being raised in this kind of environment is how important it is to respect all women. Not just our moms or aunts, but also our sisters, our friends, our wives, and even strangers. Every girl and woman deserves respect and dignity. Sadly, that’s not what always happens. In the world today, women still face so much pain. From being judged for how they look, to being treated unequally, to being silenced or hurt — these things happen every day, and it’s heartbreaking.

Sometimes we even see it close to us. A girl being told not to speak up. A woman being expected to do everything without a thank you. People blaming women for things that aren’t their fault.

That’s not the kind of world I want my brother or I to grow up in.

I believe change starts at home. It starts with what we see as kids. If we grow up watching our dads respect our moms, hearing kind words, and being taught to listen and care, that shapes who

we become. A good upbringing is its own kind of education. It teaches us how to treat others. It shows us what love and fairness should look like.

Even our biggest celebration, Durga Puja, is all about Maa Durga — a powerful, fearless, caring goddess. She’s a symbol of everything women are: strong, brave, and full of love. To me, that’s a message. It tells us that every woman deserves to be seen and treated with that same respect, no matter who she is.

So when we say Maa, or Monima, or even Kakima, Pisima, Boroma, Jethima, Mamidida —

we’re not just saying a name. We’re saying thank you. We’re saying, “You matter. You’ve shaped who I am.” And when we choose to respect every woman in our life, we’re continuing the lessons our mothers quietly taught us from the very beginning.