Sir,

Girija Madhavan’s write-up titled ‘Rage of the Tempest, Repose in the Raga’ in SOM  dated May 26 under Mysore Memories column, is most touching and written with rare sensitivity. I compliment her.

Paan is one of the unique cultural markers of India. Except for some regions, it has been popular all over the country. Each region has its own version. There are numerous varieties of betel leaves. Its cultivation requires special skills.

From field to market it requires special skills to pack and transport to keep its flavour, freshness and crispness. The way they are bundled and counted are significant and indicate how creative Indian peasants and artisans have been.

The way it is consumed, the ingredients added to it, the way it is folded differ from region to region. Offering paan to a guest is a sign of warm hospitality. Its absence indicates that things are not alright.

Paan has several ritual markers both on auspicious and inauspicious occasions. The more I learn about it, the more amazed I feel. It is difficult to understand all that without being an insider. Truly, Bharat desh Mahan hai.

– P.K. Misra, J.P. Nagar, 27.5.2025

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