During the December break, I was lucky to visit Malvan to stay with a family. I learned and experienced a lot about geography and farming there. The malvani food is awesome that use specific ingredients and is known for its uniqueness. Staying there, enjoying the authentic home made food made from fresh ingredients from their farm and the grains (from their farm) stored in their warehouse. The family was very friendly and I felt welcomed. I had an opportunity to interview the main lady of the family. Malvani is a dialect of konkani and is very famous for its sweet accent. So, this audio is for you to enjoy the sweet accent and transcript in case you have problem with understanding the meaning.
Shravani Joshi: Hello, please tell us your name and the region of Maharashtra to which you belong?
Mamta Jagtap: Hello, I am Mamta Jagtap and I am from Sindhudurg district of Malwan taluka in Maharashtra. The people of this region are called as Malwanis. Malwan is a coastal region. Hence, in those times (17th century), the great king Shivaji built the famous sea fort, Sindhudurg, on an islet. Even today it is strong and intact, a sight to behold. The weather conditions there are usually hot and humid with saltiness in the air. This climate is perfect for coconut, cashews and mangoes. Hence, there is no shortage of trees. If you want to enjoy natural beauty, visit Malvan. The natural beauty will deeply satisfy you. Rice farming is a prime occupation. Fishing is also predominant. Drying and sorting of different species of fish are a prime source of income for the locals. The business of cashews, mangoes, jackfruits and kokum (local fruit) also goes on a lot. Khaja (local food item) from Malvan is also famous. It’s a business to prepare food products from different types of mangoes (amba poli), jackfruits (fanas poli), kokum and cashews. There is a high demand for these products. The alphonso variety of mango from Devgad (city in Malvan) is world famous. When guests arrive, they are served chicken fritters, chicken curry, coconut juice, rice pancake, modak (steamed rice delicacy), fish rice or black bean curry. We also enjoy these. Our meals use coconut extensively. Rice and fish are our favorite. Plenty of tourists visit. Hence, if you want natural beauty, come to Konkan. Konkan is home.
Shra's 