Dr Daneshwari Sambhakar, Assistant Director
Raipur, 29 April ,
Staple food and lifestyle are important aspects of a culture. There’s a saying in Chhattisgarh- “Jaise Khaye Ann, Waisa Hoye Mann”, which roughly translates to- your mind is a reflection of what you eat. This saying stands true in Chhattisgarh. People of Chhattisgarh are as simple and practical as their staple ‘Bore-Baasi’. And this is why they say- ‘Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhia’.
Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel has requested people to eat ‘Bore-Baasi’ on the occasion of ‘Labour Day’ with the intention of honouring the contribution of labourers and farmers towards the society. This simple gesture would connect people emotionally and culturally. In the past four years, the glory of Chhattisgarhi culture has reached new heights. The folk festivals of the state have gained recognition and popularity. Celebration of folk festivals like Teeja, Pora, Hareli in CM House further inspired people to take pride in their cultural traditions.
In the same sequence, Chief Minister has taken a unique initiative to honour the contributions of labourers and farmers towards the society. He has appealed to the people of the state to celebrate ‘Bore-Baasi Tihaar’ on the occasion of Labour Day. Chief Minister has requested people of all the sections of society to eat ‘Bore-Baasi’- the favourite food of labourers in the state, on the occasion of Labour Day. This would create a positive environment of harmony and fraternity in the state. The celebration of ‘Bore-Baasi Tihaar’ started last year and it quickly gained popularity at global level. People of Indian origin in America, London and Britain also had ‘Bore-Baasi’ in the honour of their motherland. ‘Bore-Baasi’ has also been added to the menus of the local hotels and restaurants in Chhattisgarh.
In a research conducted on ‘Bore-Baasi’ in the USA, it was found that fermented overnight soaked rice i.e. ‘Bore-Baasi’ has 60 percent more calories than freshly cooked rice, and it is rich in vitamin B12, iron, potassium and calcium. This traditional dish has fatigue relieving properties, and it helps in regulating blood pressure as well.
During the scorching summer, ‘Bore-Baasi’, ‘Patal chutney’ and ‘Gondli’ are the go-to lunch items for the hardworking labourers and farmers of Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has played an important role in giving global recognition to this popular traditional dish of the state.
‘Bore-Baasi’ is usually consumed with leafy green ‘Bhaji’, which is rich in iron. Some people prefer eating ‘Bore-Baasi’ with curd and buttermilk. These are good sources of calcium. Regular consumption of ‘Bore-Baasi’ has a large number of health benefits. This is the reason why this simple staple of Chhattisgarh is now becoming popular across the country and abroad.
A number of steps have been taken in the past four years to promote Chhattisgarhi culture, traditions and folk festivals of the state. Chief Minister started the celebration of Teeja, Pora, Hareli and many such festivals at CM House, to inspire people to take pride in their cultural heritage. Besides, Chief Minister also declared public holidays on the occasion of these important local festivals. In the same sequence, to promote local cuisine of Chhattisgarh, Gadhkalewa restaurants have been opened in all the districts of the state.
