Wanaparthy (Telangana): Though almost every village in India wakes up to the crowing of roosters at the break of dawn, the situation is different in the tiny hamlet of Kanchiraopally in Telangana's Wanaparthy district.
The 500-odd residents of the hamlet in Pebbair Mandal, which recently became a Panchayat, refrain from consuming chicken, eggs, and even fish. Further, villagers do not even raise these animals.
But what is the reason behind it?
Explaining the story behind their unique food habits, a resident of the village said, "Our guru Somsadh Bhaoji once saw a hen swallowing his saliva, and decided that one must never raise or consume such animals. Following his instructions, anyone with the surname Ratlavat refrained from consuming the meat of chicken and fish."
Villagers believe that violating their Guru's instruction could invite a curse upon them. During celebrations or feats organised in the village, either mutton or goat meat is served. Even when villagers visit their relatives, they are served the same.
However, the rule is not applicable to women who get married outside and leave the village, who are free to consume chicken, fish and eggs. But women who get married to men from the village and move in, are advised to stop consuming the meat of the animals a month in advance, in order to adjust to the new eating habits.
A woman, who got married into the village six years ago, said that she now does not have cravings for the forbidden meats, and even the thought of consuming chicken brings about a feeling of nausea.
Villagers who move out of Kanchiraopally however, continue to follow their unique food habits religiously, having immense respect for their customs.
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