Paati is an endearment we call our grandmothers in Tamil, and Petti translates to a box. Paati’s Petti (grandmother’s box) is an ode to grandmothers who have been pillars of unconditional love and resilience since time immemorial. Be it our first step, first words, first tumble, our first drawing, coming third in a singing competition - they celebrate our trivialities with such joy and pride - making us believe we are destined for nothing but greatness. They live by example, teaching us to be kind, strong, scrappy, thrifty, wise and unconditional - all so effortlessly passed on that we don’t realise them right away.
Most grandmothers have a battered old repurposed tin which would draw us to pry it open in hopes of yummy treats, only to find an eclectic mix of knick knacks that have no business sitting together. The initial disappointment of not finding treats in them would be quickly replaced with fascination and curiosity of her little objects - jewellery, photos, shopping lists, sewing kits, khol, coloured tablets etc. For me, that box symbolises her in so many ways.
Paati’s Petti was conceptualised around five years ago to bring to the forefront the essence of yesteryear. Initially dreamt of as a blog, I soon realised it had to be something tangible - and what better medium than postcards to capture this. I, much like most, have learned a lot from both my grandmothers, and I’m sure we’ve all inherited a world of wisdom and knowledge from them. The intent is to create a “petti” (box) every year, encapsulating one facet of all our grand moms’ tales/hacks/stories/memories and much more.
Since my fondest memories with my grandmothers revolve around the hearty meals they fed me (this warrants a separate essay), the first edition of Paati’s Petti will focus on recipes and kitchen hacks.
How you can get involved:
- fill the form below and share with us a recipe or kitchen hack your grandmother has passed on to you
- we will send you a postcard, which is a small token of our gratitude for your contribution to an initiative that honours and celebrates Paatis at large
- await a thoughtfully curated Paati’s Petti with carefully illustrated recipes and hacks for you to gaze upon and reminisce
I hope you find this an initiative worthy of your family heirlooms - the carefully treasured family recipes and hacks that have been passed on for generations.
We understand that not all are fortunate enough to grow up with loving grandparents or learn from them. This isn’t intended at triggering emotions of loss, grief or any unpleasant experiences.