Mangalore: People gather around Paale trees on Aati Amavasya
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore
Mangalore, Aug 6: Scores of people observed 'Aati Amavasya' by drinking the brewed concoction made by using the pulp of the bark of ‘Paale tree’.
The bark of this tree is said to possesses medicinal qualities. Tuluvas believe that drinking this pulp on this day rids them of the ill-effects of eating different food stuffs during the rainy season, germs in their stomachs and the sins as well.
It is believed that consuming the concoction during the first three days, during which alone, they believed the Paale tree retained its medicinal properties, provided them relief from side-effects of eating food stuffs during the rainy season and also cleanse them of their sins.
The people, after having the drink, visit temples, have bath in temple tanks, and offer prayers to the presiding deities. For collecting Paale barks, elderly men in the families go to thickets in search of Paale trees.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, it is said that the raw materials should be collected in Brahmi Muhurtha before sunrise. At this time the bark is said to possess high medicinal qualities.
Choosing wrong bark can be dangerous
Since the bark is collected in darkness, choosing the right tree is not an easy task. It is sometimes mistaken with another similar tree Kaasarka (Kaasanu) - which is dangerous. The Kaasarka tree bark is poisonous. It is better to identify the correct tree in advance and then collect it the next day. Otherwise the tree should be properly identified by its leaves.
The bark is crushed and mixed with water to remove the juice. A person can consume maximum of 24 ml. If boiled in water maximum of 50 ml can be consumed. Some people even mix cumin seeds, garlic, turmeric while preparing the medicine.