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Story of IDLY

 

What changes from liquid state to solid state at a high temperature?

USA: science does not support it.

France: absurd question.

UK: even Google doesn't have an answer.

Japan: we do not know.

Russian: no such thing exists.

Indian: it is idly.

One such message was doing rounds in WhatsApp chats and it recently landed in my message box also. Reading it brought a smile on my face. Suddenly it triggered a curious thought in my mind.


Idly is one of our light foods. It is an exclusive food occupying a special place. Irrespective of claims made by any other regional groups, Idly is a gift given to the world by the Telugus (as documented by Sri Mokkapati Narasimha Sastry garu in his most famous book, Barrister Parvateesam) Regardless of where it came from, the idli has inspired many variants over the centuries. From the huge, plate-size thatte idlis, to ‘mini’ or button idlis, and Goan sannas (jaggery sweetened or plain), Mangalorean khotigge and mudde idlis steamed in leaves, this versatile dish is unarguably an Indian culinary treat.

Inspite of availability of variety of items like Upma, Vada, Dosa, Poori, Pongal, Utappam, Kesari Bath with their exclusive flavours and tastes, it is no exaggeration if I say that you will not find a soul who will declare his dislike for idlis. No doubt, Upma, Vada, Dosa, Poori, Pongal, Utappam, Kesari Bath etc satiate your tastebuds with their different flavours and tastes, but Idlis remain exclusively special amongst all.

Idlis are bland and without any strong taste. The greatness of idly is its ability to acquire the taste of any item it is eaten with. Like coconut chatney or sambar. When eaten with those accompaniments, idlis taste like them.

Writing about Idly remindes me of my niece (aged around 55). I can not help but make a mention of her now. She is an exclusive person. When she is with Young Adults (i.e. 20-30 year olds) or she is in a group of very senior persons, she mingles with them completely and her identity and behaviour will be entirely compatible with and inseparable from that group. 

Another such mention has to be made about a friend (actually my colleague too). He is an exclusive person. A theologian (vedantic) in the theological community, a senior citizen in 'old adults' group and a Dada when amongst Dadas (Bengali community) That is how he holds himself completely and not be a misfit anywhere like an idly.

IDLY, can I conclude by saying I Do Love You.

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