SURTI SCIENCE SHARUKH’S SURGEONS DON’T KNOW OF......
Of late, Tapi town has turned into old Mac. Donald’s farm. With here a quack, there a quack, everywhere a quack quack! Thankfully, now with more people aware of their existence, Surtis will watch out before taking prescriptions from the,’neem Hakeem khatrey jaan’ types. Or rather as Surtis put it,’gunn vagar na gyaani.’
In the old city area, there are some naturopaths- ’pattiwaley babas’; that cook wax like packs in a pan and apply sticky hot tapes to unmentionable body parts that are ailing with oozy boils! They believe a crime is committed only when you prescribe medication without a licence; as long as you do not do that, alternative medicine is legal enough.
There is however, another kind of alternative medicine which the government of Gujarat used to provide official licence for, after years of observation and practice. Though the government has now discontinued licence for this particular field, the ‘juna ane jaanita’ licence holders continue to soothe the pain of hundreds of patients a day, men women and children for an extremely nominal cost against the service they render.
If you have grown up in Surat as a child, chances are that a game of cricket, kabbaddi, khokho or catching the cook left you with a twisted arm, dislocated shoulder, swollen ankle or some such ailment for which you would have inardvently visited a bone setter a.k.a.’hadvaid’.’This term is a short form of ‘hadkana vaid’.
Since ancient Egyptian times, bone setting is an art that is an acquired skill. It is ancestral knowledge, which has been passed on down the generations, through sheer experience. A science that exists from a time when there were no chiropractors, osteopaths or therapists. ‘Bone manipulation is the Science of having X-ray vision’, a stalwart in the field told me. ‘We believe in preserving the bones,not removing them. I can confidently say, if Sharukh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had come to Surat, they would be cured without surgery.
Unlike our state of the art hospitals and clinics, a hadvaid’s clinic is generally a no nonsense, simple room, divided by a curtain in respect to the patient’s privacy. Cool Kota stone floors, with a whirring fan over old wooden benches and most definitely a poster or two of the visual human body chart with an anterior and posterior view. You can discover where medial/lateral condyle of femur, middle phalanx, lumbar vertebra and other such interesting body parts exist within your frame. Within the curtained room, one look at the trouble spot makes the experienced therapist know a ‘tachakda’ or popping in which particular angle will provide immediate relief.
Although swellings take time to heal, the pain relief is instant. Mortar and pestle ground cold and hot pastes that look like face packs are prepared at home by hadvaids. Everyone has their own special receipes with herbal ingredients that come in from the jungles of Dang,Bharuch,Vyaara etc.Once the dislocated bone is set, its painted with a ‘lep’ and neatly bandaged in white gauze and the patient gets to go home immediately.Now,only if Sharukh and Vajpayee knew about it.
TAPI TOWN TATTLE –What did Fiza’s phone friend turn into? Phoney fiend!
Showing posts with label times of india surat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label times of india surat. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
WHISKEY? NO,SOSYO-INDIA’S FIRST SWADESHI SOFT DRINK
If there is one Indian aerated drink that has been holding up fort against American colas,it has to be Sosyo.Yes apnu own Surti soft drink,’a drink which has to be drunk thrice, in a glass full of ice ,to get the taste of spice’as the followers say.
Sosyo was born in Surat in 1927 during the ‘Swadeshi’ movement when Gandhiji called for a ban on imported products,Mr.Mohsin.Hajoori introduced it as the Indian option to the U.K. drink, ‘vimto’ which the Hajoori company’s founder, Mr.Abdul Hajoori was marketing in India since 1923.
Originally called ‘Whisky No’ ,to attract both alcoholics and teetotallers,it was bottled with a London made soda maker at first and later on Indian,semi automatic hand filled soda makers, sealed with a marble ,in a factory that was set up in Salabatpura by Hajoori and sons.Marketed by the manufacturers in bullock carts that set out to surrounding villages,selling the swadeshi product.
‘whiskey no’ the interesting name was derived from the fact that sosyo tastes like alcohol,but is not.’It is the only non alcoholic beverage that tastes like a perfect mix of whiskey,rum and soda.’ says Dhiren Shah,a die hard Sosyo fan.
'It is not a cola but a non alcoholic cocktail',smiles Usha Kapadia ,who has been relishing it since the past 52 years,'I remember the old bottle with a sticker on it and foil on top.'
This popular drink later derived its present name from the Latin word ‘socious’,since it became a social drink.
‘A heady mixture of grape and apple cider with some ingredients that are imported from Germany and Italy and also a blood building agent.Anything in excess is harmful,but nothing acts as a better digestive to Surti food . ‘proudly claims owner Mr.Abaas Hajoori who heads the Surat bottling plant,now at Sosyo circle,Udhna Magdalla road ,the only place where the secret mixture is concocted,’our bottles now have a pvc seal for authenticity.Sosyo is best served chilled’
Over time,the company progressed to other drinks of which ‘Kashmira’,a digestive soda made with jeera,clove,capsicum,ginger and pepper is a very popular product.Lemee,Ginlim,Misty are other flavours that are manufactured and packaged in pet bottles and 100% fruit juices have now been introduced.
More than 50 million bottles of Sosyo are consumed in Gujarat and Maharashtra annually,where the company has its bottling plants.People from neighbouring states who visit Surat often carry bottles of Sosyo and Kashmira back. Now popular in videshi shores and stores,it is exported as far as U.A.E,South Africa,New Zealand,U.K. and the U.S.of A.
The export bottles proudly claim in bold letters’AN INDIAN DRINK’ with a tri coloured backdrop,after all, it is the first one.
If there is one Indian aerated drink that has been holding up fort against American colas,it has to be Sosyo.Yes apnu own Surti soft drink,’a drink which has to be drunk thrice, in a glass full of ice ,to get the taste of spice’as the followers say.
Sosyo was born in Surat in 1927 during the ‘Swadeshi’ movement when Gandhiji called for a ban on imported products,Mr.Mohsin.Hajoori introduced it as the Indian option to the U.K. drink, ‘vimto’ which the Hajoori company’s founder, Mr.Abdul Hajoori was marketing in India since 1923.
Originally called ‘Whisky No’ ,to attract both alcoholics and teetotallers,it was bottled with a London made soda maker at first and later on Indian,semi automatic hand filled soda makers, sealed with a marble ,in a factory that was set up in Salabatpura by Hajoori and sons.Marketed by the manufacturers in bullock carts that set out to surrounding villages,selling the swadeshi product.
‘whiskey no’ the interesting name was derived from the fact that sosyo tastes like alcohol,but is not.’It is the only non alcoholic beverage that tastes like a perfect mix of whiskey,rum and soda.’ says Dhiren Shah,a die hard Sosyo fan.
'It is not a cola but a non alcoholic cocktail',smiles Usha Kapadia ,who has been relishing it since the past 52 years,'I remember the old bottle with a sticker on it and foil on top.'
This popular drink later derived its present name from the Latin word ‘socious’,since it became a social drink.
‘A heady mixture of grape and apple cider with some ingredients that are imported from Germany and Italy and also a blood building agent.Anything in excess is harmful,but nothing acts as a better digestive to Surti food . ‘proudly claims owner Mr.Abaas Hajoori who heads the Surat bottling plant,now at Sosyo circle,Udhna Magdalla road ,the only place where the secret mixture is concocted,’our bottles now have a pvc seal for authenticity.Sosyo is best served chilled’
Over time,the company progressed to other drinks of which ‘Kashmira’,a digestive soda made with jeera,clove,capsicum,ginger and pepper is a very popular product.Lemee,Ginlim,Misty are other flavours that are manufactured and packaged in pet bottles and 100% fruit juices have now been introduced.
More than 50 million bottles of Sosyo are consumed in Gujarat and Maharashtra annually,where the company has its bottling plants.People from neighbouring states who visit Surat often carry bottles of Sosyo and Kashmira back. Now popular in videshi shores and stores,it is exported as far as U.A.E,South Africa,New Zealand,U.K. and the U.S.of A.
The export bottles proudly claim in bold letters’AN INDIAN DRINK’ with a tri coloured backdrop,after all, it is the first one.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
CHOWK TO CHANDNI CHOWK, CITY’S CHANGING CENTRES....
Ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui and Indian Vaastushastra state southwest as the direction of wealth and prosperity. Believers often cite South Mumbai and Singapore being prosperous for the same reason. Back home, our city has been changing its centre over the years and interestingly so, as it prospers, it’s heading South Westward.
During the days of yore, Chowk was the main city square. Roads from here, spread out to the Mughal caravan Sarai, to entry/exit points of the walled city, Katargaam darwaja, Lal darwaja, Delhi gate, Majuragate, and the only bridge over the Tapti then, Hope pul.Naginchand hall was home to Andrews library; also, a venue where plays like Shakespeare’s ‘taming of the shrew’ were enacted in their Gujarati adaptation, ’Firangi nathari thekaane avi’by a Parsi theatre group. Chowk Bazaar chaklo was the main market, Chautapul, Bhagal, Zhampa later developed as markets for trade, fruits, vegetables and jewellery.
The core area around the fort was inhabited by prosperous businessmen, officers of the governing body and their serving staff. The inner circumference , which consisted of the ‘puras’ Gopipura,Haripura,Salabatpura,Nanavat were the residential areas of the rich Vaniyas , Jains, money changers[nanavatis]and Parsis, then there were the ‘falias’Sonifalia,Wadifalia,etc.consisting of various traders and beyond these, the outer circumference of ‘waads’Golwaad,Bohra waad of the self contained ,Bohra,Gola communities.
Close by was the Asurbeg chaklo better known as Makkaipul [bridge to Mecca], a busy area during Akbar’s regime. The Navdi Ovara from here was the point from where the Hajjis boarded their ships for Mecca; Surat was known as’ bunder-e-khoobsurat’ [beautiful port]. Makkaipul has the main fish market, as well as oldest bakery in town, Dotiwala. Important roads from this point, later lead to newly developed destinations like the Rang Upvan amphitheatre, Gandhibaug, Dutch Garden and GPO and further on to’ Bahumali,’[multi-storeyed] the old court building.
Later, Athwagate turned the centre of a modern, newly emerging Surat.’Athwa’stands for the eighth gate of the walled city. This new Surat had in its vicinity Chowpatty garden, a swimming pool, the circuit house and residence quarters of the Police and government officers. It also had Athwa general store, a single unit stationary cum grocery shop that went on to become a household name in Surat. Schools and colleges started sprouting up too through Athwalines which ran south-westward.
With time, Parle Point and its high street shop culture took over.Bunglows and apartments here were much sought after. It became the Surti suburban dream destination. It had bigger roads, shops and homes than any other in town .Franchisee outlets of branded goods added to the market value .This area became the centre point for other suburbs such as Citylight, Ghodod, Maskati and the old Umra jakat [octroi] naka.
Present day, Piplod, Chandni Chowk, with its upcoming fancy apartments, gigantic temples, mall mania, multiplexes and better planned roads is the next heir to be crowned centre. Surtis on their Sunday trip to Dumas pass by here. This is the area that has the road which leads to the city airport, whose future shines bright in every Surti’s mind. And who knows, once that turns busy, we might just turn good old Dumas into Surat central someday.
It’s here where the Tapti, that runs by all of the afore mentioned places merges into the Arabian Sea, our city’s Southwest endpoint.
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-Talented India’s slums are good enough to turn producers’ millionaires and win Oscar nominations-Jai Ho!
Ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui and Indian Vaastushastra state southwest as the direction of wealth and prosperity. Believers often cite South Mumbai and Singapore being prosperous for the same reason. Back home, our city has been changing its centre over the years and interestingly so, as it prospers, it’s heading South Westward.
During the days of yore, Chowk was the main city square. Roads from here, spread out to the Mughal caravan Sarai, to entry/exit points of the walled city, Katargaam darwaja, Lal darwaja, Delhi gate, Majuragate, and the only bridge over the Tapti then, Hope pul.Naginchand hall was home to Andrews library; also, a venue where plays like Shakespeare’s ‘taming of the shrew’ were enacted in their Gujarati adaptation, ’Firangi nathari thekaane avi’by a Parsi theatre group. Chowk Bazaar chaklo was the main market, Chautapul, Bhagal, Zhampa later developed as markets for trade, fruits, vegetables and jewellery.
The core area around the fort was inhabited by prosperous businessmen, officers of the governing body and their serving staff. The inner circumference , which consisted of the ‘puras’ Gopipura,Haripura,Salabatpura,Nanavat were the residential areas of the rich Vaniyas , Jains, money changers[nanavatis]and Parsis, then there were the ‘falias’Sonifalia,Wadifalia,etc.consisting of various traders and beyond these, the outer circumference of ‘waads’Golwaad,Bohra waad of the self contained ,Bohra,Gola communities.
Close by was the Asurbeg chaklo better known as Makkaipul [bridge to Mecca], a busy area during Akbar’s regime. The Navdi Ovara from here was the point from where the Hajjis boarded their ships for Mecca; Surat was known as’ bunder-e-khoobsurat’ [beautiful port]. Makkaipul has the main fish market, as well as oldest bakery in town, Dotiwala. Important roads from this point, later lead to newly developed destinations like the Rang Upvan amphitheatre, Gandhibaug, Dutch Garden and GPO and further on to’ Bahumali,’[multi-storeyed] the old court building.
Later, Athwagate turned the centre of a modern, newly emerging Surat.’Athwa’stands for the eighth gate of the walled city. This new Surat had in its vicinity Chowpatty garden, a swimming pool, the circuit house and residence quarters of the Police and government officers. It also had Athwa general store, a single unit stationary cum grocery shop that went on to become a household name in Surat. Schools and colleges started sprouting up too through Athwalines which ran south-westward.
With time, Parle Point and its high street shop culture took over.Bunglows and apartments here were much sought after. It became the Surti suburban dream destination. It had bigger roads, shops and homes than any other in town .Franchisee outlets of branded goods added to the market value .This area became the centre point for other suburbs such as Citylight, Ghodod, Maskati and the old Umra jakat [octroi] naka.
Present day, Piplod, Chandni Chowk, with its upcoming fancy apartments, gigantic temples, mall mania, multiplexes and better planned roads is the next heir to be crowned centre. Surtis on their Sunday trip to Dumas pass by here. This is the area that has the road which leads to the city airport, whose future shines bright in every Surti’s mind. And who knows, once that turns busy, we might just turn good old Dumas into Surat central someday.
It’s here where the Tapti, that runs by all of the afore mentioned places merges into the Arabian Sea, our city’s Southwest endpoint.
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-Talented India’s slums are good enough to turn producers’ millionaires and win Oscar nominations-Jai Ho!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
NEW YEAR’S EVE AND ADAM.............
2009 is a stone’s throw away and since we have decided that no terror threat is going to dampen our Surti spirits, its party time folks!
Celebrating the New Year’s Eve is a custom that Surtis have been following since long now. In the late 70’s there were parties held at home by married couples, with home cooked surti food. These had the crème de la crème of surti socialites swinging away in silk maxis to the Abba’s Dancing Queen, Super Trouper or The Beatles best on the gramophoneJagjit Chitra ghazals were played too. Some migrants, mostly of the officer crowd, would have pretty wives, elegantly dressed in sarees swaying a romantic waltz with their husbands.
Mid eighties saw an entire generation of youngsters who were fortunate enough to watch and imitate the style of Madonna, Wham, Michael Jackson on Doordarshan’s ‘Pop stars’. Disco parties were then organised at places like Shree apartment hall and upcoming bunglows,where youngsters set up their own music systems and played out cassettes of recorded English music to full blast. Denim was the dress code. Snacks like samosas from Kailash, Rasna sherbet and Khaman would be laid out at a table in the corner. Friends shared the expense.
Then came the nineties, Surat had its very own band ‘Phoenix’.Surat’s only rock star, the late and very handsome Rajiv Desai was its lead singer, with Aakar Patel[now in Mumbai media] at the guitar and Matu who dazzled at the drums. These were the guys who brought in Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd Jethro Tull, and The Who and rocked the parties. Making guys and gals in baggie pants and t-shirts feel the music. From the mid 90’s, some restaurants went all out to please the crowds with private bashes. Fancy strobe lights, wooden dance floors and professional music systems got included. Food spread boasted of veg and non veg hors’de vours and desserts as well.
The 21st century brought along with it state of the art music systems and D.J’s belting out popular hinglish numbers with trance beats. Farm houses, are converted to party venues now. Whether its Brian Hylands evergreen,’itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini ‘or ‘mauja hi mauja’, the Surtis will be swinging to global tunes this year. Thai and Mexican cuisine will be served, with bar tenders from Mumbai shaking mock tails. Surtis will shop especially for the occasion and visit saloons for a hair do. The colours for this season are aubergine, gold and the usual, black. Some will travel to Daman, Goa, and Mumbai to officially celebrate in ‘high spirits’.
In case you are not a dancer, here are some easy to follow, original Surti moves, try them out now!
1. Kotsafil’’s Kaipo Che-Pretend you are flying a kite and have a mock tangle while you swing your knees in and out ,without lifting your feet.
2.Salabatpura’s swing-Roll your hands around like binding a bobbin and clap to the beat of three while you take two steps to the right and hopscotch back ,repeat to the left.
3. Parle Point’s Pretence-Stand in one place and only shift your shoulders and abdomen to the beat twice to the right twice to left, swing head in the motion of saying no as you move, right hand up with fore finger pointed.
4. Maachi waad mania-Put both hands up and alternate actions to bless the world and change light bulbs, while hips hop to right and left.
5. Golwaad’s gyrations-Put wacko jacko to shame as you belt out pelvic thrusts to the beat of one, two, in, out. Cup hands to resemble snakes that sting the air.
So there, now that you have had the lessons, what are you waiting for dearies? Doesn’t matter if you spend it grooving to the F.M at home, Aaja nachle! It’s the best method to express love, happiness and fun. Have a funtastic 2009!
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-What did the BCCI instruct the Indian cricket team? No Pakking!
2009 is a stone’s throw away and since we have decided that no terror threat is going to dampen our Surti spirits, its party time folks!
Celebrating the New Year’s Eve is a custom that Surtis have been following since long now. In the late 70’s there were parties held at home by married couples, with home cooked surti food. These had the crème de la crème of surti socialites swinging away in silk maxis to the Abba’s Dancing Queen, Super Trouper or The Beatles best on the gramophoneJagjit Chitra ghazals were played too. Some migrants, mostly of the officer crowd, would have pretty wives, elegantly dressed in sarees swaying a romantic waltz with their husbands.
Mid eighties saw an entire generation of youngsters who were fortunate enough to watch and imitate the style of Madonna, Wham, Michael Jackson on Doordarshan’s ‘Pop stars’. Disco parties were then organised at places like Shree apartment hall and upcoming bunglows,where youngsters set up their own music systems and played out cassettes of recorded English music to full blast. Denim was the dress code. Snacks like samosas from Kailash, Rasna sherbet and Khaman would be laid out at a table in the corner. Friends shared the expense.
Then came the nineties, Surat had its very own band ‘Phoenix’.Surat’s only rock star, the late and very handsome Rajiv Desai was its lead singer, with Aakar Patel[now in Mumbai media] at the guitar and Matu who dazzled at the drums. These were the guys who brought in Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd Jethro Tull, and The Who and rocked the parties. Making guys and gals in baggie pants and t-shirts feel the music. From the mid 90’s, some restaurants went all out to please the crowds with private bashes. Fancy strobe lights, wooden dance floors and professional music systems got included. Food spread boasted of veg and non veg hors’de vours and desserts as well.
The 21st century brought along with it state of the art music systems and D.J’s belting out popular hinglish numbers with trance beats. Farm houses, are converted to party venues now. Whether its Brian Hylands evergreen,’itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini ‘or ‘mauja hi mauja’, the Surtis will be swinging to global tunes this year. Thai and Mexican cuisine will be served, with bar tenders from Mumbai shaking mock tails. Surtis will shop especially for the occasion and visit saloons for a hair do. The colours for this season are aubergine, gold and the usual, black. Some will travel to Daman, Goa, and Mumbai to officially celebrate in ‘high spirits’.
In case you are not a dancer, here are some easy to follow, original Surti moves, try them out now!
1. Kotsafil’’s Kaipo Che-Pretend you are flying a kite and have a mock tangle while you swing your knees in and out ,without lifting your feet.
2.Salabatpura’s swing-Roll your hands around like binding a bobbin and clap to the beat of three while you take two steps to the right and hopscotch back ,repeat to the left.
3. Parle Point’s Pretence-Stand in one place and only shift your shoulders and abdomen to the beat twice to the right twice to left, swing head in the motion of saying no as you move, right hand up with fore finger pointed.
4. Maachi waad mania-Put both hands up and alternate actions to bless the world and change light bulbs, while hips hop to right and left.
5. Golwaad’s gyrations-Put wacko jacko to shame as you belt out pelvic thrusts to the beat of one, two, in, out. Cup hands to resemble snakes that sting the air.
So there, now that you have had the lessons, what are you waiting for dearies? Doesn’t matter if you spend it grooving to the F.M at home, Aaja nachle! It’s the best method to express love, happiness and fun. Have a funtastic 2009!
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-What did the BCCI instruct the Indian cricket team? No Pakking!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
ODE TO UNDHIYU..............
As winter sets in, spreading its blanket of chill across the western belt of our country, it brings with it different meaning to different cities. Ahmedabad, 275 kms North of Surat is celebrating with cultural programmes in open air under starlit skies .Its people, are enriching themselves in the wealth of poetry, dance,drama and musical recitals. Mumbai, 275 kms South of Surat is celebrating winter fashion in style, whilst by lanes within Bandra are warming up with pre Christmas marketing. Surtis on the other hand, are celebrating winter with what they do the best-preparing Gujarati gourmet delights. Surtis are foodies and every season brings in with it a special menu for the trimester.
All roads leading in to Surat from Vapi onwards will see smoke billowing from roadside stalls .The farm labourers from the Tapi to Vapi belt prepare a little known dish called the umbadiyu in winter. The umbadiyu is a darker,smoky cousin of undhiyu.Made with wild black papdi from village Bhata, along with yam, sweetpotato, brinjal, it is marinated with ginger and chilli paste then baked in a clay pot which is sealed with aromatic leaves of Kaler and Camboi.
This pot is buried in a hole in the ground, covered with hay and cow dung cakes and burnt for about 40 minutes small portion of this delicacy is put in an earthen kullad at the mouth of the matka to check when its done. This sampler is fondly called a 'daakan[witch]'Umbadiyu is served with green chutney and buttermilk,often relished by the roadside.
The Parsis from Udavada add on eggs and pieces of chicken to the same and call it adadiyu [not to be confused with adadhiyu of Daman which would mean 375 mls of alcohol].
Winter's batch of Sugarcane crop will be put to good use ,grown in the numerous tiny villages that surround our town,carried out proudly in a jingling procession of decorated bullock carts to various sugar factories. Salempak, Methipak, Khajoorpak, Gunderpak are sweets prepared to fight the winter chill. A special khadiya-mundi mutton is prepared in most Khatri homes.Fresh garlic will be chopped for' lasan nu kachu' as well as be sprinkled over vegetables and various egg preparations. Of course our king green millet-Ponk will be much awaited. But over and above all these preparations,the meal that is considered as the ultimate meal in Surati communities is 'Malai,puri and undhiyu'.Many homes in Surat traditionally invite family and friends in winter for the same,the preparation is often marinated overnight for all the swad to sink in.
And this dearies is my salute to the unbeatable,irresistible exclusive Surti preparation that does not taste as good anywhere else ,the world over
–The undhiyu –
'O sweet creatures of Katargaam's creeper vine.You, the green papdi tender as one would ever find,with fragrance that lingers on the fingers that string you,
Surrounded in the richness of yam from Puna Kubharia,plantains ,potatoes,sakariyas,stuffed wild brinjals and what have you ,
Enriched in flavour by seaseme oil and green garlic,prepared on the sim, marinated in a chilli ginger paste; with supple fenugreek dumplings that enhance your taste.
While asafetida and ajwain are tempered to tease,as taste buds tuck in coconut and corriander,thoughroughly pleased.
The epitome of Tapti cooking ,a gourmet's delight ,an art to achieve,an exotic treat,a taste impossible to beat..............here is to you,'O Surti Undhiyu!'
Tapi Town Tattle-The two words that are taboo in friendship henceforth?----Dost,Aana!
As winter sets in, spreading its blanket of chill across the western belt of our country, it brings with it different meaning to different cities. Ahmedabad, 275 kms North of Surat is celebrating with cultural programmes in open air under starlit skies .Its people, are enriching themselves in the wealth of poetry, dance,drama and musical recitals. Mumbai, 275 kms South of Surat is celebrating winter fashion in style, whilst by lanes within Bandra are warming up with pre Christmas marketing. Surtis on the other hand, are celebrating winter with what they do the best-preparing Gujarati gourmet delights. Surtis are foodies and every season brings in with it a special menu for the trimester.
All roads leading in to Surat from Vapi onwards will see smoke billowing from roadside stalls .The farm labourers from the Tapi to Vapi belt prepare a little known dish called the umbadiyu in winter. The umbadiyu is a darker,smoky cousin of undhiyu.Made with wild black papdi from village Bhata, along with yam, sweetpotato, brinjal, it is marinated with ginger and chilli paste then baked in a clay pot which is sealed with aromatic leaves of Kaler and Camboi.
This pot is buried in a hole in the ground, covered with hay and cow dung cakes and burnt for about 40 minutes small portion of this delicacy is put in an earthen kullad at the mouth of the matka to check when its done. This sampler is fondly called a 'daakan[witch]'Umbadiyu is served with green chutney and buttermilk,often relished by the roadside.
The Parsis from Udavada add on eggs and pieces of chicken to the same and call it adadiyu [not to be confused with adadhiyu of Daman which would mean 375 mls of alcohol].
Winter's batch of Sugarcane crop will be put to good use ,grown in the numerous tiny villages that surround our town,carried out proudly in a jingling procession of decorated bullock carts to various sugar factories. Salempak, Methipak, Khajoorpak, Gunderpak are sweets prepared to fight the winter chill. A special khadiya-mundi mutton is prepared in most Khatri homes.Fresh garlic will be chopped for' lasan nu kachu' as well as be sprinkled over vegetables and various egg preparations. Of course our king green millet-Ponk will be much awaited. But over and above all these preparations,the meal that is considered as the ultimate meal in Surati communities is 'Malai,puri and undhiyu'.Many homes in Surat traditionally invite family and friends in winter for the same,the preparation is often marinated overnight for all the swad to sink in.
And this dearies is my salute to the unbeatable,irresistible exclusive Surti preparation that does not taste as good anywhere else ,the world over
–The undhiyu –
'O sweet creatures of Katargaam's creeper vine.You, the green papdi tender as one would ever find,with fragrance that lingers on the fingers that string you,
Surrounded in the richness of yam from Puna Kubharia,plantains ,potatoes,sakariyas,stuffed wild brinjals and what have you ,
Enriched in flavour by seaseme oil and green garlic,prepared on the sim, marinated in a chilli ginger paste; with supple fenugreek dumplings that enhance your taste.
While asafetida and ajwain are tempered to tease,as taste buds tuck in coconut and corriander,thoughroughly pleased.
The epitome of Tapti cooking ,a gourmet's delight ,an art to achieve,an exotic treat,a taste impossible to beat..............here is to you,'O Surti Undhiyu!'
Tapi Town Tattle-The two words that are taboo in friendship henceforth?----Dost,Aana!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
LAYMAN’S QUICKIE NAVRATRI GUIDE....
The 9 nights of heat, sweat and passion are now in fashion. In case you are a novice or have been out of practice, here is a quick route to uncover Navratri codes. Keeping up with the festive mood, I present the same in accordance to the most popular remix tunes played during swirl sessions.
We first need to be dressed for the occassion.Here are some trendy tips............
Sorry guys, since it’s just koti, kediyu, dhoti for you every year, try to spruce it up with a bandanna and ethnic sling bag. Create fashion fusion to match ‘Rock on’ energy with your kediyu ‘frock on.’
Girls, here we go-
1. Choli ke peechey kyaa hai?-Jolie! Tattoos look hot with halter neck and backless cholis.Add sparkle to yours with swarowskis. Make sure to use water proof ink for temporary ones.
2. Chunri ke neechey kyaa hai? Decorate the border of your bandhni/laehriyu pallu with multi coloured bead tassels and a good luck charm; be a jingle belle.
3. Resham ka lehnga mera, lehnga hai mehnga-Gaji silk and gota are the flavour of the month.choose a base colour and team with choli and odhni in bright colours.
4. Lehnga utha ke chalu-Length of ghaghras this season is about four fingers higher than the ankles. Keep it pleated for a more graceful sway.
5. Ghunghat girakey chalu-Instead of a damni, stitch on a payal at the edge of your odhni for trendy head gear look.
6. Kyaa kyaa sambhaley chalu Ramji? Stay hands free this Navratri, carry your mobiles in ethnic covers tied to cummerbands or as bajubands.
You are now geared up for garba; let’s try out some swinging, it’s easy, just put your ear to music.
1. Pankhida re udi jajo-This nostalgic number is sung in dedication to all the visiting NRI’s and the kabootarbaaz clan who have flown the nest. Most garbas begin with this sentimental song.
2. Odhni odhu toh udi udi jay- Rendered to make sure all girls take care in these times of visual rapists and mobile videos. It cautions against any wardrobe malfunction. Make sure you are well pinned up before you swirl in the human carousal.
3. Dholida dhol re vagad, mare hich levi che-A popular song with the boys who surprisingly disappear to the parking lot during it. Some say they mistake it for ‘dhich’ which means drink in Gujarati.Some also pronounce it as hic.I wonder why?
4. Sanedo Sanedo lal lal sanedo-Ever since this number has become famous, a number of modern remix versions have been put up in the market. The latest one features Bipasha and Mallika in it. A local NGO claims to have requested for its rights to turn it into an awareness song; a message to play safe during this time of the year, a message to practice caution, before the crowds disappear like coneys.
Last heard, Mr.Ramadoss’s office is said to have approached Surtis to ask if they would play the ‘B*^%#! soota ,soota na laga song ‘during the break, in National interest of health; since Surtis swear by profanity.
But the Surtis it seems have politely declined saying’ when the going gets tough, the puff gets going.’
All right people, you are set for the annual fetish ,let the music play and just make your body sway.
The 9 nights of heat, sweat and passion are now in fashion. In case you are a novice or have been out of practice, here is a quick route to uncover Navratri codes. Keeping up with the festive mood, I present the same in accordance to the most popular remix tunes played during swirl sessions.
We first need to be dressed for the occassion.Here are some trendy tips............
Sorry guys, since it’s just koti, kediyu, dhoti for you every year, try to spruce it up with a bandanna and ethnic sling bag. Create fashion fusion to match ‘Rock on’ energy with your kediyu ‘frock on.’
Girls, here we go-
1. Choli ke peechey kyaa hai?-Jolie! Tattoos look hot with halter neck and backless cholis.Add sparkle to yours with swarowskis. Make sure to use water proof ink for temporary ones.
2. Chunri ke neechey kyaa hai? Decorate the border of your bandhni/laehriyu pallu with multi coloured bead tassels and a good luck charm; be a jingle belle.
3. Resham ka lehnga mera, lehnga hai mehnga-Gaji silk and gota are the flavour of the month.choose a base colour and team with choli and odhni in bright colours.
4. Lehnga utha ke chalu-Length of ghaghras this season is about four fingers higher than the ankles. Keep it pleated for a more graceful sway.
5. Ghunghat girakey chalu-Instead of a damni, stitch on a payal at the edge of your odhni for trendy head gear look.
6. Kyaa kyaa sambhaley chalu Ramji? Stay hands free this Navratri, carry your mobiles in ethnic covers tied to cummerbands or as bajubands.
You are now geared up for garba; let’s try out some swinging, it’s easy, just put your ear to music.
1. Pankhida re udi jajo-This nostalgic number is sung in dedication to all the visiting NRI’s and the kabootarbaaz clan who have flown the nest. Most garbas begin with this sentimental song.
2. Odhni odhu toh udi udi jay- Rendered to make sure all girls take care in these times of visual rapists and mobile videos. It cautions against any wardrobe malfunction. Make sure you are well pinned up before you swirl in the human carousal.
3. Dholida dhol re vagad, mare hich levi che-A popular song with the boys who surprisingly disappear to the parking lot during it. Some say they mistake it for ‘dhich’ which means drink in Gujarati.Some also pronounce it as hic.I wonder why?
4. Sanedo Sanedo lal lal sanedo-Ever since this number has become famous, a number of modern remix versions have been put up in the market. The latest one features Bipasha and Mallika in it. A local NGO claims to have requested for its rights to turn it into an awareness song; a message to play safe during this time of the year, a message to practice caution, before the crowds disappear like coneys.
Last heard, Mr.Ramadoss’s office is said to have approached Surtis to ask if they would play the ‘B*^%#! soota ,soota na laga song ‘during the break, in National interest of health; since Surtis swear by profanity.
But the Surtis it seems have politely declined saying’ when the going gets tough, the puff gets going.’
All right people, you are set for the annual fetish ,let the music play and just make your body sway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
