Disappearing traditional spaces – Gujarat Paniyaru – a water-place
Photo by Avani Varia – Barkrol village, Gujarat - 2012
Traditionally paniyaru – a sacred water space - was an essential and integral part of every home in Gujarat. It could be a raised platform or a stone table, mounted about 2’6” above ground level, with curved circles to place pots, and had decorative motifs on the front. This space was used to store water both for drinking and cooking. Paniyaru was considered a sacred space and lighted a lamp every evening around the time of sunset in front of it. Water was stored in clay and/or brass pots placed one on top of another in sets of two. Each house would have at least one or sometimes two paniyara: one for the family and another for visitors, travellers and outsiders. The paniyaru inside the house was meant for family use, and the one kept at the entrance of the house near visitors’ seating area was for use of outsiders. Along with urbanisation and western influence, this space is now disappearing. Today the place of a water pot is taken over by a refrigerator or a water purifier. But one can still find at least one water pot in the kitchen in many houses!
Avani Varia – Heritage Arts Professional – INDIA – www.avnivaria.com / info@avnivaria.com