Bakasur

There is a story in the Mahabharat of a demon called 'Bakasur' that is frequently referenced in our daily life. In the town of Ekachakra, Bakasur had wreaked such terror and strife that each day he demanded a huge cart filled with food, two oxen and a driver to be delivered to him, which he would consume and only then would he refrain from destroying the town. The Pandav Bheem, who had a hunger for food rivaling Bakasur was the savior of the people of Ekachakra. While travelling through this town during their 14 year 'vanvaas', Bheem asked to be the driver in the sacrifice one day. On being delivered to the demon, Bheem proceeded to kill him using his skill and might, and thus saved the citizens of the town.

My point, with this story, is that I find it unfair when people of Indian households call foodies 'Bakasurs' as a reference to this unending hunger that the demon had. Food holds so much emotion that we associate it with memories, experiences and even relationships. In a very emotional sense, everyone is a foodie. We might eat to live, but many of us also live to eat...

And what food there is!! If you're reading this blog while fasting, I suggest you stop right now. Food triggers intense nostalgia for me. So many memories are associated with food.... that one recipe of moong ki dal ka halwa that only your nani made, or the jeera golis and litchi candies that you could only get in your childhood. For an Indian this emotional connect with food is so much more relevant because every household makes it in a different way. Every 'bread' is different in India. From kulchas to fulkas to dosas and uttapams, India has variety not only in culture and religion but also the cuisines that they celebrate. All this comes just from the food that we know about. The tribes and religions that are unknown to us have a palate that we cannot even comprehend.

The diversity of food thus is so varied in India itself, that when we contemporize it with Western or Asian cuisines, we achieve millions of dishes. It truly gives you perspective, reminding you of the insignificance of one little thing. And to think with such variety, to not be a foodie is almost impossible. Besides, I love foodies.

They're versatile, happy, emotional but intelligent. If I had to describe all the Bakasurs of this world in one word, 'satisfaction' comes to mind. You give them a fresh cherry tomato or you give them a tomato sorbet, they'll be almost equally happy because they celebrate the emotions of food. They can find flavor in almost everything, and I don't just mean food. A foodie is the best friend you could have in life. Not only because they know all the hotspots for good dishes, but because they know how to bring out the best flavors in you and appreciate them.

Sounds philosophical, but its true.

A friend is to me, what comfort food is to you....

Love, Ri.