PONDA: At a time when the tradition of making ‘Gavati Fov’ or poha (flattened rice) is seeing a slow death, a Tivrem-Marcel resident Jayesh Naik is pulling all stops to keep alive his 31-year-old family tradition of making this snack, which is largely consumed during festivals, especially Diwali.
After the burning of Narkasur effigy, as a symbol of victory of good over evil, the Fov is consumed by Goan families by preparing various recipes to mark the Diwali celebrations “Nowadays, roasted pohas are imported in Goa, which are not properly baked. But on the other hand, the taste of locally baked or Gavati Pohas is unique as it is made of brown rice from locally produced paddy crops, baked perfectly in a traditional bhatti (earthen oven). Therefore, many people give orders to produce it in large quantities to meet the high demand, especially during festivals,” Naik said.
He said that the reason why local production of this traditional snack is becoming extinct is it needs a lot of effort and workers are needed to work near the hot bhatti for long hours.
“That is why very few Goans are engaged in producing Gavati Fov through the traditional way of making it. Luckily, I have got some good workers who have reduced my workload and helped me in producing this food item at my flour mill,” he said.
