Thursday, October 10, 2019

Tona-Totka - Kale Ghode ki Naal - Earning from superstitions

Horseshoe of a black horse
       Horseshoe of a black horse is the "Kale Ghode ki Naal" in Hindi. It is used as "Totka". There are many superstitions about it. Some of which are as follows:-

1. It removes the negative energy from a house and brings positive energy if fixed at the entrance.

2. It brings good luck.

3. If hung in a pair it brings positive vibes and secures good fortune.

4. It ends financial crunch if kept in the grain storage wrapped in a black cloth. 

5. When put in the cash chest wrapped in black cloth it attracts money.

6. When fixed at the entrance of a shop it brings an increase in sales.

7. To get a job and keep away the bad "Shani Drishti" one should put on a ring made of "Kale Ghode ki Naal".

8. It keeps away the bad effects of evil-eye.

9. It helps recover a patient from chronic illness.

10. Driving nails made of "Kale Ghode ki Naal" in each of the legs of a cot (Khatia) saves a patient.

A boy selling "Kale Ghode ki Naal"
(Horseshoe of a black horse)
            There are no scientific reasons behind these beliefs. So people believing in such things are called superstitious. Due to these people, the horseshoe of a black horse is in good demand. To make an earning from this superstition some people have started selling it. They keep a black horse, sell its horseshoe and replace it with another one. At least three such horses are brought near the vegetable market in our locality. Two of them are with a cart where they play some music to catch the attention of people.
         One day I saw a family buying a horseshoe from a boy riding a dark black horse. On-demand, the boy lifted a front leg of the horse and removed the horseshoe and gave it to the family. 
       Though superstitions are not viewed as good in modern days it is giving employment to some people.
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Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Tikhur- The East Indian Arrowroot

Tikhur - The East Indian Arrowroot

            A few centuries ago Tikhur was a well-known food in the Indian subcontinent. Now only a few people know it. It is known by the names of Koova in  Malayalam and Yaipan in Manipuri. In English, it is known as 'Narrow-leaved turmeric' or 'East Indian Arrowroot'. 
           Since it is not a cereal, it is consumed as a "Falahari Bhojan" during some Hindu festivals. For example the Navaratra celebrations. Devotees give up salt, onion, garlic, non-veg and cereals for nine consecutive days during the Navaratra. Their food contains fruits, milk, milk products, and tubers. The tubers like sweet potatoes, potatoes, sago (Sabudana), water caltrop flour (Sighara atta) and Tikhur are some of the noncereal sources of starch. Out of these, Tikhur powder is the most nutritious food. After the new scientific researches, Tikhur has caught the attention of nutritionists and dieticians. It is also a non-irritating diet for patients suffering from chronic ailments, recovering from fevers and experiencing irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs or the excretory system. It may also be used as a replacement for breast milk or as a nutritional supplement for babies.
Kheer of the Tikhur
         'Tikhur' is obtained from the plant "Curcuma Angustifolia" which resembles the plant of turmeric. Even the smell and taste of the leaves of the 'Tikhur' plant is similar to the turmeric leaves. The production of Tikhur is more in the North-east and western coastal regions. The rhizomes of the plant are dried and powdered. The color is brilliant white. This powder is boiled with water or milk and sugar with cardamom powder is added. If the consistency of this recipe is kept thin like a paste, then it is called "Kheer of Tikhur" or "Halwa of Tikhur", and if thick and stiff and cut in square shape then it is called "Barfi of Tikhur". It is also used to make soup or Chutney and to thicken other recipes. The consumption of Tikhur removes toxic elements from our bodies. In the medical world, the capsule covers are made from the soluble starch of the Tikhur.
         The plant is found under the shades of the trees (like Sal tree) in the Jungle. Tribal people collect it from there. Nowadays for commercial production, it is propagated with the rhizomes in the month of May-June.  
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