Surya Kund Dham Fair: Preserving the Legacy of the Silbatta in a Modern World

• The Surya Kund Dham fair in Barkattha, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, is a vital hub for preserving the traditional silbatta (grinding stone) in an era of modern kitchen appliances.
• Despite the rise of mixer-grinders, many in rural India still value silbattas for their unique ability to enhance the flavor of spices and chutneys.
• Silbatta traders, like Rahul Kesari, whose family has 80 years of experience, travel to the fair to sell their handcrafted products made from special black stone.
• The fair offers a range of silbattas from 200 to 800 rupees, along with mortars and pestles, catering to those who prefer traditional cooking methods.
• Beyond commerce, the Surya Kund Dham fair plays a crucial role in passing down ancient traditions and culture to future generations.