
"Sanjha Chulha" From Editor's Pen
Sanjha Chulha is a centuries-old tradition that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. It is deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of Punjab and has historically played an important role in fostering community cohesion.
Sanjha Chulha is a centuries-old tradition that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. It is deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of Punjab and has historically played an important role in fostering community cohesion. The concept of shared hearth revolves around the idea of ??a common cooking space where people, especially women, people of the community come together to cook food and share joys and sorrows.
Historically, Sanjh Chullah emerged as a practical solution to the challenges faced by women in rural Punjab. In many households, especially in villages, each family has its own cooking stove. However, the idea of ??the common hearth evolved as a means of sharing resources, especially in times of scarcity or when a family needed support. Women gather around a central cooking area, often in an open courtyard, and prepare meals collectively, sharing not only ingredients but also their time, experiences and stories.
The common hearth has played an important role in strengthening the community bond and creating a sense of unity among the villagers. It provided a platform for maturing social and interpersonal relationships, where women could exchange knowledge, skills and traditional cooking techniques, thereby preserving the culinary heritage of the region. In addition, the practice of cooking together at the common hearth fostered a sense of cooperation, mutual support and solidarity among community members.
As time has progressed and modern cooking facilities have become more convenient, the tradition of the shared hearth has changed. Although it is not as popular as it once was, the essence of this communal cooking space lives on in the collective memory of Punjab. Many cultural events and gatherings in Punjab still incorporate the concept of saanj chulla to promote values ??of brotherhood and unity, thus keeping alive the rich heritage and spirit of Punjab's communal culinary traditions. .
In today's fast-paced life, the meanings and concepts of relationships and customs have changed Now Nana's marriage is no more than a few days ago, and the practice of putting the beds together for marriage has disappeared somewhere. Having a common hearth or an oven at a common place in the village has become a thing of the past Today, in the villages as well as in the cities, colorful iron bars are seen standing guard in front of every house. Affinity, if not lost, has certainly decreased.
