Pattal’s to be served in all the temples of Shimla

Following the success of serving meals to devotees on green leaves ( pattals ) at the historic Taradevi temple in Shimla, this practice will now be extended to the Sankat Mochan temple starting September 1, 2024. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap announced that the capable Cluster Level Federation Basantpur, operating under the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the District Rural Development Authority, has been tasked with preparing the leaves.

The deputy commissioner stated that the district administration plans to serve meals on pattals in all temples of the district. This initiative began at the Taradevi temple on July 14, 2024, and will now move to the Sankat Mochan temple in its second phase, starting September 1, 2024. The Federation has been asked to prepare 4,000 plates for this purpose. The district administration is committed to strengthening the rural economy and providing employment opportunities to self-help groups.

Representatives from the Cluster Level Federation Basantpur informed the Deputy Commissioner about their leaf production. They have supplied 4,000 leaves to the Taradevi temple every Friday and have delivered a total of 18,000 leaves so far, benefiting women financially. Similarly, 4,000 leaves will now be supplied to the Sankat Mochan temple every Friday, further boosting the women’s economy.

The Federation representatives reported a significant increase in demand for leaves since the initiative began. People are now requesting leaves for weddings and other functions in the surrounding areas, and advance orders for Navratri and Shradha have also started coming in.

The Federation, which includes 2,942 women trained in leaf preparation, is dedicated to maintaining high standards of size, finishing, and quality. During this time, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Verma, PO DRDA Kirti Chandel, and other federation members were also present.

The Rustic Village Farmers Producers Organization Basantpur, part of the Federation, produces various products. Over 450 women work in this organization, involved in packaging and labeling, extracting oil from Kohlu, preparing local ghee, running flour mills, making animal fodder, and pickles. These products are sold at major fairs, Him Era shops, and online.