Misty and Dew - Laden Tales
*Misty and Dew-laden tales..*. With time, the dynamics of relations alter, feelings toughen, resolutions strengthen and the impact of incidents dilute...What does remain the same is the way you feel about certain things... Uruka symbolizes one such emotion for me. Traversing through the dheki (ঢেঁকী), ural (উৰাল), khundona (খুন্দনা), mixer - grinder to the current - day superfast food processor, I have seen the pitha (পিঠা) emerging out of different origins - though the shape, size , taste and texture differs, the aftermath of having eaten one infuses me with the same fulfillment and happiness. In the days leading up to Magh Bihu, the dheki was central to preparing rice flour (পিঠা-গুড়ি) for making pitha and other delicacies. Multiple family members would gather to operate it, taking turns to press the heavy foot lever while others ensured the rice was ground to perfection. The rhythmic sound of the dheki in the early morning or late evening created a fest...
