Author Archives: udaykumarvarma9834

Traditional Distilling: Universal Taste Mahua enjoys a hoary tradition. It has been an essential part of the cultural and social life of many communities in India and its neighbourhood for centuries. Its mention in ancient and contemporary literature is a telling testament. Wine prepared from Madhūka flowers (Madhuca longifolia) finds mention in several Hindu, Jain and Buddhist literatureContinue reading “Magical Mahua-Part VI”

The Maple tree, standing tall and erect, was the abode and playground of a squirrel family. Watching the tree and the lively action that happened on its branches from my apartment window, was joyful, refreshing, reassuring. I saw the squirrels build a cosy nest and soon the young ones joined the family. Life for meContinue reading “The Tree, The Nest, The Squirrel”

The Elixir of Life “Wine comes in at the mouth, And love comes in at the eye, That’s all we shall know for truth, Before we grow old and die. I lift the glass to my mouth, I look at you, and I sigh.”                                      – WB Yeats Introduction  ‘Bottled poetry’ is how RL Stevenson describedContinue reading “Magical Mahua-Part V”

I visited Tamia, once a little known but abundantly blessed little village but with uncommon scenic beauty and serenity. My first visit was almost forty years ago, the last one over a decade back. And then came this visit, a long awaited one exciting me like a child, filling me with happy anticipation. My mindContinue reading “Rendezvous with a place I loved”

The Culinary Wonder Although primarily thought of as an ingredient in homegrown liquor, mahua has long been used in recipes both simple and complex. The culinary legacy of this fragrant flower is both fascinating and fantastic. That it has served the tribal communities in endless ways and has been a source of nutrition and energy,Continue reading “Magical Mahua-Part IV”

(Mahua flower is intoxicating in every way. It’s feel, its sight, its fragrance ensnares senses, mesmerises minds. In the hot summer months of April-May, when they decide to descend from their lofty perch to the dry earth, the carpet of pale white succulent and fleshy flowers offers a beauty and bliss difficult to define. InContinue reading “The Mahua Flower”

 Legend, Tradition and Folklore “Mahua, oh Mahua, thou art my love divine. Thou dost fill my heart with joy, and my soul with wine.” – A popular folk song  Trees always have had myths and stories, faith and beliefs, anecdotes and tales built around them. The ones who give a lot are treated as divinity. SuchContinue reading “Magical Mahua – Part III”

An unusually tall stately tree, shorn of all leaves dominate the fore ground of my home sumptuously blessed by nature. On a moonless night, it inspires awe, even fear, its sprawling branched in all directions appear like a giant with countless arms. But hold!, look at it yet again, and linger your gaze. And youContinue reading “A White Giant”

‘After a time, civil servants tend to become no longer servants, and no longer civil’; thus spake the irrepressible and witty Winston Churchill. Our own Prime Minister seems to have better opinion of them. Just a week ago, addressing the Civil Services’ Day function, the PM invoked the phrase ‘steel frame’ for the IAS. ThisContinue reading “Appraising the IAS on Civil Services Day”

Mahua may be commonly associated with an indigenous liquor, uniquely fragrant and pleasantly intoxicating but its uses are far too many, and its place in many tribal societies of India irreplaceable. Among its many roles, the one where it becomes their saviour in times of extreme scarcity and hunger is perhaps the most extra-ordinary. ItContinue reading “Magical Mahua – Part II”