Do you remember when you last played Gilli-Danda?
Our tribal community is there to remind us of the simple joys of our childhood. On February 11 & 12, 2023, OOO Farms was invited by Kala Ghoda Arts Festival food curator, Pooja Vir, to organise the Farmers’ Market at Cooperage, Mumbai. OOO Farms set up a seed bank display, a market to buy indigenous farm produce and cultural and fun activities like Tribal dances and Forgotten Ancient Games. that still exists in villages in the form of Gilli-Danda, Gyan Chaupar (Ancient Snakes & Ladders), Pacheesi, Lagori and Lakhoti.
The Farmers’ Market in KGAF was an eye-opener for us. One-on-one conversations with the consumers helped us understand the concerns of first-time indigenous rice eaters and deepen their understanding of the hard work that goes on the farm fields. Consumers gained insight into the vast array of food crops that exist beyond the usual varieties we see in the grocery stores. 1-Ft long bhindi? Check. Red Corn? Check. Black Chana? Check. Our farmers got a chance to interact and discuss the importance of bringing ancient food crops back on our plates.
