Journalism of Courage
The cacophony and the noise at the stalls cluttered together is overbearing. The odour of the burning woodsmoke,combined with the sawdust and dung cakes that are used as alternative fuels,are a sharp contrast to the delicately crafted flavours of the dishes that waft through the already heavy air. This atmosphere beckons you to try out the cuisines brought together at the AISSMS Grounds,where the Bhimthadi Jatra is being held. Lying amidst the food stalls are dishes pleasing to the eye as well as the palate.
The place boasts of dishes from the interiors of the state like the Mande,the Hurda,and also the ever popular mutton dishes from Kolhapur and the fish items from the Konkan. Speaking more about the same,Saee Pawar,chief coordinator for the event,says,We have actually marked down the stalls from the last year. This year,we have around 67 stalls as compared to the over 100 stalls that were there last year. We have focused more on diversifying the cuisines so that more and more people can experience the different cuisines of the state.
Even the Khapli Gavachi Kheer,which is being sold here is an item that draws the crowds by the dozens. Speaking about the same,Vishal Raut,proprietor of the stall,says,The kheer is made from crushing wheat using a mortar and pestle. After this,it is cooked with jaggery,locally made ghee,almonds and pistachios to get the thickness and consistency. We sell it for Rs 30 a bowl. It is nutritious and also wholesome to digest.
The stalls feature a lot of self-help groups wherein the women from the groups sell their products directly to the bigger markets like these to gain more customers. As Manjusha Yerwadekar of the Swanand Mahila Bachat Gat from Morgaon says,Our main aim is to ensure that we can provide the city crowds with the food common to the rural parts of the state. We have the Khamang Bhakri and Thalpeet that is served with the Mirchi Thecha,all for Rs 30 per plate.
One of the most interesting aspects of the stalls here is the pricing. Right from Rs 15 for a plate of Kanda Bhajji to Rs 150 for a full mutton thali that has the famed Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa,a couple of Bajra Bhakris,Jeera Rice and the traditional Sukkha Bhuna Mutton,they are all there. Jayashree Dandile,who has a Kolhapuri Mutton stall,sums up the atmosphere in the best of words perhaps,The food isn’t expensive like the dishes of the city,but it is certainly something that people will want to try out again and again!
Indulge your palate
Khapli Gavachi Kheer – Made of Wheat,Jaggery,Homemade Ghee,Almonds,Pistachios
Tilachi Masacha Vadi- Made of til,onions,desiccated coconut,and cooked in a spicy chilly based gravy
Makkichi Bhakri with Vangyachi Bhakri and Mirchi Thecha- Corn bread served along with Brinjal cooked in rural spices and a chilly dip
Mutton Thali- Consists of Dry cooked Mutton,served with Jeera Rice,Bhakris,and the Tambda Rassa
Khamang Bhajri and Thalpeet- Consists of dish made with pulses and the flat bread
