Banana leaf to Beatle leaf ..my tamil feast .
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Valai ilai virundhu or the banana leaf feast is a tradition unique to the southern states of india and there is a lot of science and philosophy behind it.
A typical tamil feast is served on a banana leaf and if its lunch , then , on of the tip of the leaf that’s called Thala vazhai illai in tamil, where one end is narrow and the other wide. Banana leaf has a lot of health benefits , Is natural, chemical free and biodegradable.
The aroma that hits you when hot steaming rice is served on a banana leaf is so appetizing, that even the not so hungry would want to eat. There is a sequence, order and format in which the dishes are served. In Tamilnadu, the first thing that would be served is the sweet dish and is placed at the lower right side of the leaf as this part is the easiest to reach . Next comes salt pickle and papadom . These are served on the left most top part of the leaf . Wat ingenuity. These are the things that are not so good for health and so , they are placed strategically away from one’s easy reach. The rice is placed right in the centre again for easy accessibility and signifying it’s importance . The veggies like kootu , poriyal , varuval are placed on the top part of the leaf just above the rice .
The gravies are served one after the other in a fixed order. Sambar Is the new word for the original tamil word kulambu. Kulambu also means mixture or confused . The first course Is the heavy kulambu which is a mixture of dhal , veggies and spices . Then comes the second course, Rasam . Rasam or rasa means the juice , expression or taste . Rightly named , rasam is the epitome of taste .A good cook is judged by his rasam .it’s so simple yet complex . Rasam consists of spices that aid in digestion ,after the heavy first course .After all the action , curd is served to cool down the digestive system . A bowl of curd rice everyday can land an aspirer in NASA as it is considered the best brain food . 😄
This method of serving has a philosophy attached. A person starts his life with a lot of confusion and a mixture of efforts like the kulambu. After years of exploration and hard work ,he tastes the fruit or rasa, which helps alliviete strong emotions like pain and struggle . He finally settles down to a peaceful quite life like the curd .
The finale to this meaningful meal is the humble pan . Pan is simply served on a plate with a bowl of Beatle nut and chunnambu . Pan is anti oxidant rich and chunnambu, calcium rich . Pan helps in digestion.
My mother has always been very specific about the banana leaf and the placement of the dishes on it. No wonder, it is an art ,science and philosophy on its own .
