Efforts on to revive tradition of Sanjha Chulahs in Punjab

Fazilika (Punjab), July 8 (ANI): Sanjha Chulha or, traditional common oven has been a part of Punjabi tradition for ages, however, it has been losing it popularity for quite some time.

A non-governmental organisation is making efforts to save it from being forgotten.

It's part of the initiative by the Graduates Welfare Association, an NGO, working to save the environment and strengthen the community. The NGO has installed six Sanjha Chulhas' or common ovens across Fazilka to popularlise it and enable poor housewives to cook their meals twice a day. In modern times, when prices of LPG cylinders are skyrocketing, it will help poor people cut costs. A traditional oven like this enables 10-15 families to cook food besides being eco-friendly as well. "We want to send out a message to the whole world that we care about global warming. The fossil fuels generate carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other poisonous gases, which harm the atmosphere. So we have come up with Sanjha Chulha project, which will reduce the use of fossil fuel at homes.

The natural fuels like wood and coal don't harm atmosphere like fossil fuels. In this way, we will be able to help in the progress of our country and the differences among people will also be reduced when they cook food together," said Varun Gagneja, project coordinator, Graduates Welfare Association. The Sanjha Chulha brings together women from different communities to cook meals at the common oven. And, it strengthens bonds. In rural Punjab Sanjha Chulha was quite popular and women usually gathered at Chulah to bake bread and discuss day's happenings. But, with modernity and busy schedules, the tradition is facing extinction.

However, by reviving the tradition of Sanjha Chulha', Fazilka's Graduates Welfare Association has done a great service to community. "This oven should be kept in different areas of the villages and the cities. It will help improve relations among people. They can share all their happiness, sorrows and pains with each other," said one of the residents.

"This type of oven should be kept everywhere. People will meet and it will strengthen social bonds," said another local resident. eanwhile, people of Fazilka are savoring delicious meals cooked in an earthen oven. Breads baked in such ovens are considered good for health and tastes distinctly. There is a belief among many local resident that if such initiatives succeed, they will help save fuel, unite people and allow them to relish tandoori' delights. By Avtar Singh (ANI)