They say a full stomach is a happy stomach. Is it really? I don’t think so; nor do the majority of Indians.
Paan is a betel leaf, chewed as a palate cleanser, a breath freshener, and for digestive purposes. It is offered to guests and visitors as a sign of hospitality (after meals at both personal and social occasions) and at the beginning of social events. It has a symbolic value at ceremonies and cultural events in India and Southeast Asia.
The Paan or Beeda as we call it in Karnataka is available in many flavours. The most famous one’s being meetha paan and olarno paan. The mixture of all the ingredients creates a fusion of flavours. The strong flavours just overwhelm your mouth.
There is a saying that the betel leaf starts off the conversation. It kicks off formal gatherings and sort of breaks the ice. In South East Asia the groom, as a token of exchange, traditionally offers the parents of the bride paan.
As a gesture of hospitality, all over India, paan is offered and is considered to be very holy. At one time paan served the purpose of lipstick. The pouting red lips of young women have been the theme of many folk songs as well as classical literature.
Preparation of paan is an art and the secret technique is passed down from generation to generation. An entire caste is engaged in this. Chewing the leaves and nuts promotes red colored stimulating salivation. This has been in practice for thousands of years. It was a craze among aristocrats. There are several ways a paan
can be folded. This it is a special branch of the paan culture. Asian history is incomplete without the paan.
The Paan shops offers something to people that not a lot of things can provide you with. It provides “satisfaction” to the stomach. The art of making paan is worth your watch. The shopkeepers experienced hands mixing all the ingredients together into the Beetle leaf`
