Patravali facts for kids
Patravali, also known as Pattal, Vistaraku, Vistar, or Khali, is a special eating plate from India. It's made from large, dried leaves, usually from the sal tree or the banyan tree. These plates are round, created by stitching together 6 to 8 leaves with small wooden sticks.
Patravali plates are very popular for traditional meals, during festivals, and in temples. Making these plates is often a "cottage industry" in India. This means women often make them at home in their free time, which helps their families earn money.
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A Look Back in Time
People in India have used patravali plates for a very long time, even in ancient times. They were considered pure and special. It was a tradition to serve food on a patravali when guests came, for big celebrations, or when offering food at temples.
What Patravali Plates Are Made From
Patravali plates are made from leaves of plants that grow naturally in the wild. The most common leaves come from the sal tree. Other plants like the pala tree and even the jackfruit tree can also provide leaves for these plates.
Where Patravali Plates Are Popular
These unique leaf plates are widely used in villages across India and Nepal. You can find them in many regions, including parts of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. In Nepal, they are called Tapara or Tapari.
Old Traditions
Long ago, there was an interesting custom related to patravali plates. About a hundred years ago, a young man who wanted to marry a girl might be tested by her father. He had to show how well he could make a patravali plate and a small bowl from leaves. If he was good at it, he was considered a suitable son-in-law!
Patravali Outside India
In Nepal, people use Tapara or Tapari plates a lot, especially for religious events, feasts, weddings, and even funerals. They are also a common choice for serving street food, as they are a good alternative to metal or plastic plates.
Patravali plates are very good for the environment because they are disposable and break down quickly. Other countries, like Germany, are starting to see how useful they are. Some companies there have even begun making patravali plates to sell. In India, you can easily find these plates in almost every general store.
Patravali Today
Today, some patravali plates are made by machines. These might have a silver foil on the bottom and a border to make them stronger. However, the traditional, handmade patravali is becoming popular again. This is because people are realizing how good they are for the environment. They are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally and don't harm the planet.
Benefits of Using Patravali
- Patravali plates are one of the best eco-friendly options for serving food. They break down quickly, unlike plates made from metal or plastic.
- Some leaf plates, like those made from banana leaves, are believed to have natural substances called antioxidants. These can help keep you healthy.
- These plates often have a pleasant, natural smell and are sometimes used to wrap food, adding a nice aroma.
