Rohit Bhatt/ Almora. Just as Holi has its own special identity in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, similarly the dishes of Holi are also special here. These dishes have become so associated with Holi that it is impossible to separate them from this festival. There is hardly any Holi in Kumaon where potato gutkas are not made for Holiyars. This dish is the favorite dish of the Holiyars, because it is prepared with so much care by the organizers that the eaters keep licking their fingers.
Everyone’s mouth waters after seeing potato gutkas made with mountain spices in an iron pan. Be it women’s or men’s Holi, Khadi Holi or Baithaki Holi, the favorite dish of Holi people is potato gutkas. At the same time, during Holi, Bhang chutney adds charm to the potato gutkas. Chutney made from mountain red chilli and hemp seeds is also prepared with great effort. The combination of potato gutka and bhang chutney is most unique in this festival. It is also important to mention here that this cannabis does not mean any intoxicant etc. This chutney has nothing to do with intoxication.
Female Holyar Babita Sah said that just as Holi is incomplete without colors, similarly Holi is incomplete without potato gutkas for women and Holyars. Potato curry is a famous dish of Uttarakhand. You will definitely find potatoes in any plate here. Gutka and Bhang chutney is quite famous in our mountains. He further said that when they go to Holi, they sing Holi songs and dance, after that the taste of potato gutka and bhang chutney makes them more excited.
‘Gutka and chutney’ related to mountain culture
Holiyar Bhavna Malhotra said that potato gutka and bhang chutney have now become associated with our culture in Holi. Holi is incomplete without this. When we come to know that we have to go for Holi, the first thing we remember is potato gutka and bhang ki chutney. Now many other dishes have also started being made, but in earlier times, when people had less resources, they used to serve potato gutka and bhang chutney, which people like very much even today.
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FIRST PUBLISHED: March 20, 2024, 11:33 IST