Traditionally and actually still to this day in Tamil Nadu, we follow a lunar calendar. The Month that starts towards mid-July is called Addi Madham. This Month coincides with summer rains that bring respite from the intense summer, and it is the time farmers start cultivating; we could say it is the start of the farmer’s year. This date is almost guaranteed rain and is such a famous date that there is a beautiful proverb: Aadi pattam thedi vidhai (ஆடிப் பட்டம் தேடி விதை). This translates to “seek out the seeds, for it is aadi season.)

On this day, it is essential to plant some pumpkin bottle gourds and other local vegetables. Success is almost guaranteed as it is a rainy season, and very little maintenance is needed.

Over the years, the love that the villagers have for the changing seasons, illustrated by the different foods that are eaten, the proverbs, the harvests, and the changing crops, all illustrate a cultural identity, an identity that has emerged from a relationship with Mother Earth. This identity is the adhesive that binds villagers together, giving a deep sense of community. Unlike in countries completely defined by industrialized agriculture where food comes at a huge ecological cost and results in an erosion of acultural identity. “Aadi pattam thedi vidhai” shout it from the rooftops, and let’s remind each other of our cultural and nutritional heritage!