We have heard a lot on the ban of plastics in Kerala. Paper bags and some substitutes have been projected to replace plastic bags. But the fact is none has replaced it just yet. Even though the campaign against plastic has moved ahead all over the state, it still faces many challenges.
While the prohibition is in force on one hand, on the other, use of polythene covers goes unhindered. In market and public places, the “banned” plastic lead the way.
While contemplating the harm plastic cause, a very strange “ban” comes to my mind. That is a recent decision of Vatakara municipality in Kerala. The authorities have imposed a ban on using plantain leaves in hotels. According to the municipal authorities, the plantain leaves pose “threat” to environment”. A strange and nonsensical decision! Those who are aware of the eco-friendly nature of plantain leaves and its traditional and ritual value, will definitely be taken aback to hear this news.
The ban is a recommendation by the ‘Suchithva Mission’, Kerala Government’s nodal agency for sanitation activities.
Plantain leaves are considered to be traditional symbols in every festival and feast in Kerala. Most people prefer to take meals in plantain leaves thanks to its hygienic and fresh nature. Taking a feast in these leaves are thought to enhance the overall feeling and taste of food. A feast in Kerala is incomplete without being served in these leaves.
During marriage feasts, Onam, and other traditional festivals, people utilize this gift of nature. But when Plantain production in house-holds became lower, the natural ‘plates’ have disappeared from scene. Disposable paper plate variants came to replace it.
Flock of children collecting plantain leaves on preparation of the festivals and marriages have been a common vista in Kadathanad (area in and around Vatakara). There is a traditional style and even code of conduct for using the plantain leaves during marriage feast. The tail end of the leaf should come at the left hand side of the user. Elders get angry if there is any change in setting of plantain leaves and serving spots of each and every item.
There is a special savor when serving meals in banana leaves. Plantain leaves are used for food preparations like “Ada”(tart), a delicious food item made of rice. Most of the hotels in Vatakara use this traditional “plates” to serve meals. Majority of the customers prefer to take lunch in banana leaves. Modern world has identified the importance of utilizing natures gifts than artificial ones.
Natural England, the Government’s advisor on the natural environment highlights the intrinsic value in their manifesto. They try to conserve and enhance the natural environment, connect people and nature. They make sure whether their environment management strategy work with nature, not against it. Lankan government’s approval for preparing food wrappers from banana leaves also inform on the importance of natural attachment. They want to fight environmental hazards originated by polythene covers, not by banana leaves.
Can Keralites abandon plantain leaves that add taste to their feast that ends with Palpayasam (milk pudding)?
