Paathara Practice

Paathara Practice Latest News

Recently, it is observed that the ancient grain storage tradition named Paathara practice or Khoni is fading fast in Srikakulam district.

About Paathara Practice

• It is an ancestral practice of underground grain storage pits.
• It is a storage pit in which freshly harvested grains, mostly paddy, are stored.
• It is observed by farmers along the banks of the Mahendratanaya River in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district, near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border.
• This tradition thrived in the inland, hilly terrain, where underground grain storage was effective.
• Decline: Lack of space and awareness, as well as changes in rural architecture—have contributed to its decline.

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Key Features of Paathara Practice

• Structure: The pit is dug in a rectangular shape, plastered with straw and clay, and sealed with a layer of cow dung on top.
• 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 stores enough grain for its annual needs.
• Advantage: The Paath­ara pro­tects grain from rodents, con­tam­in­a­tion, and theft.

Source: TH