Kaafal

Uttarakhand, the land of Gods, is known for a revitalising berry fruit called kaafal, believed to keep one healthful and young. In the melodious folk music of Kumaon, it has been described as the fruit of the Gods. But the kaafal express their grief as: ‘Khanaa Layak Indra Ka, Hum Chhiyan Bhoolok Aain Padan.’ Which means, ‘We were meant to be an offering to Lord Indra in heaven but now we are just a wonted fruit on Earth.’ There is a very soulful story behind this fruit which is also sung when locals pluck kaafal from the trees. It goes...