Paan Khaye Saiya Hamar: The stain of inflation on tradition.
Jagran correspondent, Araria. The immortal song of the film Teesri Kasam, based on the novel Maarey Gulfam by the great regional storyteller Phanishwar Nath Renu – “Paan Khaye Saiya Hamar…” was once common in the streets, squares and on the lips of the youth here. This tune was not only entertainment but also a symbol of the cultural identity of Mithilanchal-Seemanchal. But with time this tune started slowing down.
Today the situation is such that the increasing trend of Gutkha and Pan Masala and the rampant inflation of betel leaves have given a deep blow to the traditional popularity of betel leaf. In the last fortnight, the price of betel leaves has increased by four to five times. At the same time, pan masala, betel nut, zarda and other ingredients have also become two to three times more expensive. This has had a direct impact on the pockets of paan lovers. People who earlier used to eat paan four-five times a day are now limited to just one or two. According to paan shopkeepers, Mitha Patta is now being sold at Rs 15 per leaf and Bangla Patta at Rs 10. Due to this, a clear decline is being seen in the sale of betel leaves.
Paan has been the cultural identity of Mithilanchal-Simanchal
Senior advocate Surendra Mandal, member of the District Advocates Association, says that betel leaf has been an integral part of the culture of Mithilanchal and Seemanchal. Mithila's identity has been associated with paan, butter and sweet speech. Even today, in rural areas, guests are welcomed with paan. Folk songs and traditions based on paan have been prevalent in villages for a long time.
Due to the popularity of betel leaf, thousands of small businessmen were associated with it, whose livelihood depended on it. But the sudden increase in inflation has put not only betel lovers but also betel businessmen in trouble. On the contrary, the use of Gutkha and artificial mouth fresheners has increased rapidly, which is considered a serious threat to health.
Increasing trend of gutkha becomes a matter of concern
There are about seven to eight thousand paan shops in the district, where gutkha is being sold openly. Gutkha is easily available even in grocery stores in rural areas. At many places, only shops selling gutkha are operating.
Paan comes from Bengal
According to experts, paan in this area mainly comes from Tamluk (ancient Tamralipti) of West Bengal. Sweet leaf of Tamluk is very popular here. Magahi leaves are also procured from Magadha region at some shops.
Betel shopkeeper Vividhan Jha, near Araria Court, says that earlier one Thaapi (70-90 leaves) of sweet leaf was available for 100 to 150 rupees, which has now reached 500 to 700 rupees. The prices of other paan ingredients have also increased by two to four times. Amidst inflation and changing habits, the question now is whether the tune of “Paan Khaye Saiya Hamar” will ever echo in the streets again, or it will remain limited to memories only.
Paan Khay Saiya Hamar
The song is from the 1966 Hindi film Teesri Kasam, which is based on the story Maarey Gulfaam by great storyteller Phanishwarnath Renu. The song was written by Shailendra and composed by Shankar-Jaikishan. Asha Bhosle lent her voice to it, while it was filmed on screen with Waheeda Rehman and Raj Kapoor. The song brings out the spontaneity of folk life, the beauty and playfulness of rural women in a very simple manner.
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