A Tradition; Offerings to God

Many of our customs and traditions have their origins in the distant past. And as the years pass we do not even know why we follow them but we do so religiously.
One such tradition in many families in our place is to do with the Jackfruit. In Kannada it is called ‘Devarige Oppisuvudu’. It means offerings to God. Every year, in the second half of June or in early July, when the rains are at their heaviest, this Puja is performed. Jackfruit dosa is made for the first time in that season and offered to God. Only then, the familes which follow this custom make this dosa. Till then it is not made in the house. Of course, it can be eaten elsewhere.

The Jackfruit season is usually from April to August. The fruit is used at every stage, as a vegetable and a fruit. A variety of dishes can be prepared from it. Till a few years ago, during its season ,it was a part of the daily food for everyone in the villages. In the days of the joint family it was not very difficult to cut and use it. But, over the years the jackfruit was being used lesser and lesser. But, now it is once more gaining popularity.
Why the Jackfruit when there are so many other fruits too? No one knows. Even my father-in-law, who is 88, does not know, it has always been a part of his life. Maybe, people in those ‘long ago’ days wanted to thank God for giving them the Jackfruit. This Puja is performed only on Thursdays and Sundays and only by the family members, after sunset. Then the jackfruits are brought in, rice is soaked and batter is prepared. It takes quite a lot of time. Chutney is prepared as a combination. A deep fried sweet made from the batter of rice and ripe jackfruit, called ‘ Appa’ has to be prepared.

While all this is being done, the head of the family performs a puja to Lord Ganapati. Goddess Durga and the Serpent God. ‘Ganas’, the assistants of Lord Shiva are also propitiated. All that is prepared is offered as ‘naivedya’ or the ‘first offerings’ to Lord Ganesha. Then the dosas and appa are eaten by the family members. By the time everything is done, it is late in the night.Those who love jackfruit dosa make it almost everyday after this puja.

View attachment 191256