The yummmmmmy Mawa Story
Ganpati Mawalay, Pushkar
Anchita Kaul
A. Shree Tej
by
"Ramji ka mawa, Naseeb vala pa va"
The story of Ganpati Mawalay by Monu Parashey
"Ramji ka mawa, Naseeb vala pa va"
Amidst the narrow bylanes of Choti Basti, just opposite the entrance to the restful Gau Ghaat, one discovers a culinary artisan whose mastery weaves sweetness into every soul – Monu Parashey, the Mawa Vaala. Poised gracefully on the porch of a modest room that serves as his confectionery haven, he orchestrates a symphony of flavors with his dedicated companions: two substantial kadhai vessels, a precise weighing machine, and an array of spatulas, each designed for a distinct role in the craft.
Everyday, at the break of dawn, a ritual unfolds as fresh cow milk, the chief ingredient of his creations arrives from a local diary nearby, marking the inception of yet another day's enchanting batch of mawa.
As I assure him that we wouldn't spill the beans about his recipe, his eyes sparkle with pride, urging us to broadcast it far and wide, for his expertise is one of a kind. According to him, the essence lies not just in the ingredients but in the intangible touch of experience, a familial legacy that imparts an unparalleled essence to their mava. He generously shares the simple recipe – milk and sugar, in just the right amounts, encouraging everyone to try it at home, confident they'll still crave his touch.
"Do you like mava?" I inquire, reminiscing about the laborious Diwali evenings spent crafting sweets, where the joy of the final creation rarely matched the ease of store-bought delights. His response resonates with a wisdom rooted in his craft. Drawing an analogy, he compares the process to making one's special cup of chai. As the maker, one's expectations soar, and imperfection becomes intimately known, a secret shared only with oneself. With a hearty laugh, he adds, "Sometimes, the craving strikes on a good day, and I indulge; otherwise, the joy lies in the making.”
Amidst the rhythmic clinking of utensils, he continues to scrape the remnants of mava from the kadhai, ensuring not a trace is wasted. The final remnants are carefully placed on a plastic sheet, a humble offering to the street dogs he serves every night, a testament to his compassionate soul. "Cheentiyan nahi aati. Bhagvaan ke bhog pe cheetiyan kyun aayengi?" He contemplates the mawa as divine nectar, a sacred offering to god. At the completion of each batch, a humble portion is presented to the idol of Ganesha, resting on a shelf overlooking the store in silence, witness to the magic that unfolds each day. Even amidst the sweetness that soars through the air, the bhog on the shrine attracts no pests or ants to be tarnished with, serving as a proof to the exchange between sugared delights and divine blessings.
"This, right here, is Pushkar's renowned mawa," he begins, deftly stirring through the semi-solid, crumbly sweet. "It's a masterpiece of all-natural ingredients, carefully crafted from milk and sugar, with no artificial colors," Monu bhai informs us. "Ram ji ka mawa, Naseeb wala pava," translating to Shri Ram's mawa—destined for those in whose fate it is written to savor this delight. The Mawalay (mawa house), founded by Ramji, his grandfather, holds a historical significance; he was the visionary who used to display the menu on a black chart board with chalk writing.
When asked about the nomenclature, Monu bhai shares that his grandfather pioneered this particular mawa. Intervening in the kalakand (another sweet) process, he elevated its recipe by subjecting it to a double heating process. Following this innovation, the mawa gained popularity, and ever since, Ramji ka mawa has been a favorite among the people.
This timeless recipe of Ramji ka mawa, spanning three generations within Monu bhai's family in Pushkar, is revered and cherished by many. As we converse, at least five passersby affirm its excellence, declaring it the best mawa, a heavenly treat that one must indulge in and take home in abundance.
The chart proudly showcases:
"Om Namah Shivay
Ganpati Mawalay
Desh mein
Ekemav branded mawa
Keval
Ramji ka mawa
500 rs/kg"
The chart proudly showcases: (translated)
"Om Namah Shivay
Ganpati Mawalay
one and only
branded mawa in the country
only
Ramji's mawa
500 rs/kg"
Monu Bhhai, a true custodian of tradition and innovation in his craft, skillfully employs a traditional weighing scale that has been passed down through generations, harkening back to the times of his father and grandfather. This timeless instrument, with a range of weights spanning from 50g to 1kg, stands as a testament to the enduring nature of craftsmanship.
What sets Monu Bhhai apart is not just his adherence to tradition but also his ingenious approach to utilizing the weights. With a keen understanding of his craft, he has mastered the art of combining weights on the scale, a technique that allows him to measure nearly every quantity that is a multiple of 5. This showcases not only his respect for the tools handed down to him but also his ability to adapt and innovate within the confines of tradition.
In a world that often rushes towards modernization, Monu Bhhai's dedication to his ancestral weighing scale becomes a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness. His ability to navigate the intricacies of his craft using a locally crafted instrument speaks volumes about his expertise and adaptability. Monu Bhhai, through the simplicity of weights and scales, paints a picture of a craftsman deeply connected to his roots yet unafraid to embrace the possibilities of the present.
Click on the gallery to explore Note-Cam images.
The versatile use of his grandfather's coin collection
"Tradition Meets Ingenuity: Monu Bhhai's Timeless Craftsmanship with Weights and Scales"
Nestled within the protective confines of Monu Bhhai's money box lies a treasury of historical richness — his grandfather's coin collection, a tangible testament to a bygone era. This unique assortment encompasses a captivating array of old Indian coins, anas, paisas, and an intriguing international currency. In the days of yore, foreigners, enchanted by the mystique of India, would present him with their native currencies. For him, the money box is not merely a storage unit; it is a reservoir of goodwill and a living tribute to the memory of his grandfather. Each coin, whether with intricate designs or smooth simplicity, holds within it a piece of history, connecting the past to the present and preserving a legacy that transcends time.
In an era devoid of plastic covers, the transportation of mawa relied on utensils and steel boxes. Instead of modern conveniences, people ingeniously utilized a traditional weighing system starting from 50g. Interestingly, a coin collection found its dual purpose, balancing the weight of utensils for precise measurements. The absence of unnecessary complexities in this approach meant minimal additional weights were required to counterbalance the utensil. This ingenious practice encapsulates a bygone era's practicality and resourcefulness, highlighting the efficiency of a traditional weighing system rooted in simplicity.
