Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Now, traditional `sadya' on paper leaf

Staff Reporter

Thiruvananthapuram: `Eco-friendly', `traditional' and `natural' are concepts strictly reserved for the tourism circuit in our State to attract foreign tourists. As for the urbanites, eco-friendliness is something that is thrown out the window if it compromises the convenience factor.

Plastic bags continue to be used for shopping; soft drinks are served in disposable plastic cups and food, in plastic-coated paper plates even though one is well aware of the environmental pollution these create.

But we have gone one step further now. The traditional Kerala sadya on a plantain leaf might soon be a rare sight. At least, the sadya might survive, given the manner in which Kerala food is promoted overseas. But it is certainly good bye, plantain leaf.

Plantain leaf is no longer a necessity for serving food on festive occasions, when we have its replica in plastic-coated paper. The paper leaf, as it is called, is slowly invading homes. Mom can pack food in this, without the hassle of the plantain leaf cracking or leaking; caterers swear by the paper leaf, because it is easily available in a slick pack and can be stocked, unlike the plantain leaf.

Caterers now, unless the client specifically requests for plantain leaf, serve food in the paper variety for small functions. At least for three weddings in the city in recent times, the paper leaf was seen in the dining hall in the place of plantain leaf.

For a city that is still groping in the dark about a way out of the plastic deluge, this certainly cannot be a very happy turn of affairs.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Vizhinjam container terminal project awaiting final nod from Centre
Chewing betel quid without tobacco can lead to oral cancer, says expert
RSS activists found guilty of murder
Krishnankutty died of natural causes, says wife
Matsyafed to restore relief fund
Malayalam gets its own operating system
Now, traditional `sadya' on paper leaf
Protest against attack on SAT Hospital staff
The enchanting world of mushrooms
Collector calls for detailed probe
KSHB staff plan protest march
Protest turns violent
Accomplished singer too
Attukal Pongala: move to improve streetlighting
Youth found dead in well
`Chandranilekkoru Vazhi' bags John Abraham award
Wooing viewers, the Jackie Chan way
Train rescheduled
Around the City
In Thiruvananthapuram Today
Campus Notes

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu