Ancient grain storage tradition fading fast in Srikakulam district Premium
The Hindu
The ancient grain storage tradition of Paathara in Srikakulam district is rapidly fading due to modernization and space constraints.
On a foggy morning, a week before Sankranti, a 52-year-old woman gathered clay, wildflowers, and paddy grains from her freshly harvested field. Marla Dillemma was preparing the traditional offering for Paathara—an ancestral practice of grain storage observed by farmers along the banks of the Mahendratanaya River in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district, near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border.
As part of the ritual, Ms. Dillemma drew a bindi—similar to a forehead mark—on the Paathara and placed wildflowers and paddy grains on top while offering prayers. “This year, nearly 30 bags of paddy have been stored in our Paathara. Stored until the monsoon, it is meant entirely for our household consumption and rituals,” said Ms. Dillemma of Jalantara Saasanam village in Kanchili Mandal.
Ms. Dillemma’s family owns five acres of land, including four-and-a-half acres under tenancy, all located in the command area of a canal of the Mahendratanaya river. The river originates in the Mahendragiri hill range of Odisha and meets the sea at Baruva Mandal in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district.
A traditional Paathara—an ancestral practice of grain storage observed by farmers— at Poorna Saasanam village of Kanchili Mandal in Srikakulam district. | Photo Credit: T. APPALA NAIDU
In Odia, the Paathara tradition is known as Khoni—a storage pit in which freshly harvested grains, mostly paddy, are stored. The pit is dug in a rectangular shape, plastered with straw and clay, and sealed with a layer of cow dung on top. Earlier, the Paathara was built in front of thatched houses and was an integral part of rural architecture, symbolising a thriving joint family system. Every paddy-growing family stored enough grain for its annual needs.
However, in Jalantara Saasanam, a village of nearly 200 households, only two Paatharas were constructed this year—one belonging to Ms. Dillemma near the canal and another built by Juttu Moinamma in the heart of the village.
IOA President P.T. Usha's husband, V. Srinivasan, passes away at 67, remembered as her steadfast support throughout her career.
Flight attendant Pinky Mali's last rites held in Mumbai after her tragic death in a plane crash with Ajit Pawar.
Maharashtra launches India's first government-run menopause clinics to support women's health during menopause with comprehensive care and guidance.
The sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP supreme Ajit Pawar has thrown Maharashtra's politics in a state of flux. The regional power equations in a turbulent political ecosystem are likely to change due to the death of a mass leader with a strong grip over administration, and acceptance across the entire party leadership. As the chequered path of succession will be discussed, throwing several names from the Pawar family and outside the Pawar family in the ring, speculations on whether his wife Sunetra Pawar will emerge as the dark horse, have also emerged. What will be the decision of the Pawar family, how will Mahayuti be shaped now, what path will the senior satraps of NCP who had accepted Ajit Pawar's leadership, take? His death has led to several unanswered questions, leaving a void in the State politics for a long time.
A massive fire engulfs forested land in Menamkulam, prompting emergency response and evacuation near vital installations.
Yogita Bhayana fights against sexual violence in India, advocating for a rape-free society amidst alarming statistics and societal indifference.
Telangana faces a crisis as mass killings of stray dogs highlight a growing social divide between community safety and animal welfare.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurates a 108-foot national flag at Mehdipatnam Garrison, honoring armed forces and national pride.
As India grows into a major power, the Arab League region forms a critical part of its global matrix. For the Arab League countries too, India is a strong and reliable partner
Explore Bengaluru's paid parking initiative and its impact on traffic, commuting choices, and urban planning challenges.
The PRIYA trial links adolescent B12 intake to improved long-term health outcomes in babies, emphasising the need for supplementation.
Haryana's rapid college growth faces challenges of inadequate infrastructure and teacher shortages, impacting students' educational quality and access.
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on January 30, 2026