Decoding the Chabutaro Signifier
Tree
Signified
Chabutro
The 'Chabutro' metaphorically stands in place of a tree in the confined locality of a pole. When the city was being constructed they chopped off all the trees in the area. In such an area where there are plenty of houses gelled tightly the existence of trees was scanty. Apparently people residing therein came up with a thought to have a structure in place of trees which would revive the feeling of a tree and serve all their purpose. There were seating arrangements also made adjacent to the chabutro so residents can gather and sit, just as they do under a tree ! So when the pol's were being designed it was also made sure they had crevices protruding into the walls so that the safety of birds was endured. However, the 'Chabutro' - bird feeder, was planted into the center of the pole so it would become a point of gathering for all the residents. Just as people gather up in the villages under a huge banyan tree, similar purpose was served by the Chabutro. Being in the center of the pol all the important public gatherings & ceremonies took place around itself. This made chabutro a very important part of the pol. This provided shelter to the birds and the residents also made sure they get water and grain timely. Planting of a Chabutro right in the center of the pol, showed the generosity of the people towards non-human creature, whom they considered an integral part of their life !
6 Decoding the Chabutaro Page 1