Cuisine
The Neighbourhood Tandoor
by AVTAR SINGH
The Sanjha Chulha or, the neighbourhood tandoori oven, has been a part of Punjabi tradition for ages. However, it has been losing its popularity for quite some time.
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Punjab is now making efforts to save it from being forgotten. It's part of the initiative by the Graduates Welfare Association, an NGO, working to save the environment and strengthen the community.
They have installed six such neighbourhood ovens across Fazilka to popularize it and enable lower-income families to cook their meals twice a day. In modern times, when prices of gas cylinders (used for cooking) are skyrocketing, it will help families cut costs.
A traditional oven like this enables 10-15 families to cook food, besides being eco-friendly, as well.
"We want to send out a message to the whole world that we care about global warming. The fossil fuels generate carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other poisonous gases, which harm the atmosphere. So we have come up with Sanjha Chulha project, which will reduce the use of fossil fuel at homes.
Natural fuels like wood and coal don't harm the atmosphere like fossil fuels. In this way, we will be able to help in the progress of our country and the differences among people will also be reduced when they cook food together," said the project coordinator.
The Sanjha Chulha brings together women from different communities to cook meals at the common oven. And, it strengthens bonds.
In rural Punjab, the Sanjha Chulha was quite popular and women usually gathered - not unlike the village well - at the chulha (oven) to bake bread and discuss the day's happenings. But, with modernity and busy schedules, the tradition is facing extinction.
"This oven should be kept in different areas of the villages and cities. It will help improve relations among people. They can share all their happiness, sorrows and pains with each other," said one of the residents.
"This type of oven should be kept everywhere. People will meet and it will strengthen social bonds," said another local resident. Meanwhile, the people of Fazilka are savouring delicious meals cooked in an earthen oven. Breads baked in such ovens are considered good for health, and they taste good.
Local residents are confident that the success of such initiatives will help save fuel, unite people and allow them to relish "tandoori" delights.
July 8, 2009