10 Things That Bring a Smile to Every Kumaonis Face

Summer always make me nostalgic. Born and partially brought up in the beautiful place called Nainital (a proud Kumaoni Ladies and Gentlemen!) summer has a soul connection with me and I am sure with many of you as well. Apart from the chaotic and bizarre tourist crowd that we hastily went to see each evening on the Mall road, I clearly remember the street corners festooned with corn vendors, multiple berry-sellers, weird food choppers and toy sellers coming up with a different trending toy each year! But then we shall call it a day and then head home to savour the home-cooked food. Those bygone days were lovely and they made us realize one thing, no matter where we are; Home is where we need to head.

Today our community is fascinated with jobs outside the state and may be abroad but deep within most of want to trudge back home, breath in the cool air, enjoy our very own Kumaoni delicacies, greet with our pink-cheeks neighbours and speak in our melodious Kumaoni language. Here are few things that put a smile on every Kumaonis face, no matter where they are:

 Kafal:

Yes, hitting the market in April or mid-May, Kafal is no less than a comfort food for Kumaonis. These sweet-sour Box Myrtles are savoured adding oil (kaduwa tel) and black salt to it. Some also like it plain without any garnishing AND Me, I liked them unwashed as well :P

Sisoon/ Sisna:

Now, every Kumaoni has a memory of this BAD BAD plant. I remember my mother threatening me with it (holding its end with the help of tong) to make me come  back home in the evening, when I was too adamant to return as I wished to play a bit more with friends. Well in our conflict, the Sisna always won!

Golu Ji:

Our ever so religious mothers won't let us exit from home without the prasad of Golu ji Maharaj.BUT what makes Golu ji more popular is his name written on almost every taxi inKumaon. Even today, when a taxi passes me by in Delhi with a text saying 'Jai Golu Ji Maharaj' I smile to myself knowing he is coming straight away from my land.

Shwoota/Pine Cone

Oh! how we all loved to visit Jungle with friends on fine Sunday afternoons. Do you remember the pine cones that could be found bedded on the dried pine leaves everywhere you went in the jungle. As for me, I always brought a cone or two home in the hope to find that edible thing inside its dried shell that my mother always spoke about. But to my dismay, I could never find it and the cones were either thrown a few days later with the rest of the garbage or were victim to bad painting skills. Nonetheless, these cone are an important part of my memory of Kumaon.

Bedu Pako

No matter where you are, you can never forget the tune of Bedu Pako. The authentic Kumaoni song always bring back memories from down the lane. Whether it is a wedding or a family get together, if you can hear and sing Bedu Pako then you know true Kumaonis are in the house!

Sibbo

If something bad happens, we Kumaonis don't go Awww we go Sibbbooo Sib! Yes this is how we do, this is how we sympathize and TRUST ME it much better expresses our extend of grief!


Oijaaa!:

You thought Aila was cool but for us Kumaonis Oijaaa is way too cool! Now, let me tell you there are different tones, ways and moods to call out for Momma but all of these assures that Mother is the only person who is needed to heal just about everything.


Kaale Kauwa

Do you remember how amused you used to get when right in the morning you had to climb the slant tin-roof of your house to call out 'Kaale Kauwa Aa le Ghughuti Mala Kha le'.  AND when you re-enter the house, you would find out that you will be the one who will eat all the Ghughtia made in the house (Sigh of accomplishment!).

Tastari

I sometimes wondered if the first person who spotted a UFO in India was a Kumaoni. Seriously that's how I guess the name Udan Tastari originated :p :p

Bhel

Now, this is one thing that can make every Kumaoni smile for sure. No matter where we are and how many people are around us we can't help giggle when someone says chalo let's eat bhel, or would you like spicy bhel or a plain one. LOL.

Dear Kumaonis, wherever you are based at, know that your land awaits your return.It will remain the same no matter how many decades passes by. Be proud of your region and do your bit to keep it safe.