Wo Galiyan Wo Chaubara

"Yahin par khoya aur yahi par paya hai..

Waqt aaj tak kisi ko samajh nahi aaya"!

When I was a kid, I remember how I used to wander in the streets of Jind, a small town in the state of Haryana. This was around the same time when my grand mother was still alive. I must have been around 3 at that time so my memory of the environment is a blurred description of how I remember it. As we walked out of the house, I would sometimes see Sarita Amma churning milk. She used to live right in front of our house. My Grandma would take me to her to try the fresh butter and curd. She used to explain how this was very good for my health and will make my bones strong. I would love just sitting near her and having all that butter.

Back in the days, almost everyone owned a dairy farm. I would sometimes see more cows on the street than humans. Because cows are sacred back at home, they would get all the love from the peasants and were fed Roti's with a little pinch of Sugar. Serving a cow is considered auspicious as she blesses with peace and prosperity to the one who serves her. A happy cow meant healthy milk. That's how I remember it.

We would then sometimes go to the Chakki also known as the Flour Mill. My Grandma used to get the flour churned with herbs. She used to come home and ask my Mum and Aunts to add Ghee to the flour. Apparently, Ghee is a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Adding that to the flour didn't just make it healthier, but also delicious. Ghee has also been venerated through the ages for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic medicine, which prescribes it as a cooling food (it lowers the body's temperature), as a digestive aid, and even as a salve to soothe burns.

Apart from all this, I remember the classic Tea making style. Although the ingredients may vary from region to region, "tea masala" typically consists of crushed ginger, crushed cardamom, lemongrass and cloves. A sip of it and here comes that smile. A smile worth a thousand words. Although I was too young at that age to have tries it, I do make it using the same ingredients. Indian masala tea helps boost immunity, aid digestion, prevent cancer, increase energy, reduce inflammation, and contains plenty of detoxifying antioxidants. So many good things coming out of that small cup of Chai.

Towards the end, I wanted to share with you guys how my ancestors had adapted these desi nuskas and maintained a healthy lifestyle. My roots have taught me something that has been useful for me ever since. We all should trust our roots and eat what suits our body the best. Since I have experienced different kind of foods from both ends of this word, I still feel these desi touches find a way to be a part of my diet. With this knowledge, I have been able to help out many people with my ways and will continue to do so.

And to those who are still looking for help, In Dumbledore words - "Help will always be given to those who deserve it and ask for it".

Stay Healthy!

Stay Gallant!