Nout: Our Traditional Refrigerator

TRADITIONAL WISDOM

The age-old practice of drinking water from traditional clay pot, locally referred to as Nout, ‘matka’ as it is commonly known, holds a special cultural significance.

Besides being a symbol of antiquity, empathy and community, drinking water from Nout was a super-healthy custom in various cultures around the globe. Contrary to the modern convenience of machine intrusion that has dominated human civilization, this ancient tradition in our social milieu offered a plethora of therapeutic benefits that made it worth considering.

What struck my mind while ambling in the busy Tangmarg market—a famous stopover on way to Gulmarg, were some kids who quenched their thirst from the conventional Nout, been put up by locals with a glass on its terracotta-lid under a Chinar tree. As I heard an elderly woman sitting near by, saying: Azz Kate Che Aech Traesh Bana. Aem Traesh Saeth Che Jigar Shehlaan. (One can’t get such cold water from anywhere nowadays which soothes). I was totally transported to an era when there were no refrigerators, but only clay pots to store cold water during summers in Kashmir.

Once a common sight in Kashmir, the Nout was kept on a wooden stand called Chouk under Chinar tree known to us as Bouen, was filled with water not only to quench the thirst of passers-by but also to symbolize the cultural richness of love, generosity, brotherhood, sympathy and a testament to communal harmony.

Drinking mineral-infused water stored in a natural purifier of earthen pot, also referred to as “katrio nuot”, during hot weather improved overall health as it cooled and filtered water naturally seeping it through porous walls whilst undergoing a process of evaporative cooling. An eco-friendly artifact, Nout offered a glimpse into our traditional way of living where women proudly shouldered it up to Yarbal (pond side meeting place) to fetch water for their kitchens—at a time, when there were no refrigerators to store and cool the water naturally.

Devoid of any toxic chemicals, the lost treasure of ‘matka’ water fought stomach acidity, boosted metabolism and prevented sunstrokes. Additionally, the subtly enriched water was good for throat having naturally cooling effect as the porous barriers of it served as a rudimentary filtration system removing impurities to taste better unlike contemporary electric purifiers and filters, etc.

In the realms of Kashmiri poetry, Nout holds a unique position too. The iconic poetess of Kashmir, Habba Khatoon who had a great love for traditional Nout at her in-laws, became nostalgic while mentioning it in her painful Vaakh as: Ghar Ba Draes Aab Natis, Nout Me Phutmo Malino Ho/ Ya Me Deytoom Nout Natis, Nathe Nate Che Haare Malino Ho…

Not just this, but Nout also served as melody instrument in our singing ceremonies besides refrigerating water, thus evoked a deep relation of juxtaposing mysticism with music. In fact, Sufi saint Soch Kral’s lyrical lines: Dapyamai Balyarus Yaer Lagou, Tami Dopnum Bozvun Chhus Koane Lagou. (I requested my beloved, let’s be friends. He said, why not, I am all ears.), were initially sung on Katrio Nout. Yet, amidst the mystique, one is bewildered over the mesmerizing pre-wedding ritual of offering Nabad Nout (a pot sized sugar lump), faded into obscurity when groom’s family offered it to the bride’s on Nishayn (engagement) and inverse, till at last, it was either broken or sold back to the seller.

On the canvas of my own memories, I recall how in childhood, we used to cover a long distance on foot to a Mela (fair) where we quenched our thirst by drinking cold water from the traditional refrigerator - Nout, erected under a Bouen by the locals. This marvelous practice requires a renewed commitment to preserving and revitalizing the great pottery art! Come; let us honor the skilled-hands who chiseled it. For in the enduring legacy of this summer special tradition, we find a deep connection to our past.

Manzoor Akash is regular GK contributor, and educationist