How an age-old tradition protects cattle from Trans-Giri region’s harsh winters
Grass procured in Kartik and Ashwin months stored to be used as cattle fodder during the harsh winters in the Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur.The harsh winters of the state, particularly in the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district, are marked by a unique traditional practice among rural communities.
Villagers in the hilly areas meticulously prepare for the colder months by collecting grass for their livestock and firewood for themselves during the months of Kartik and Ashwin. The harvested green, long grass is carefully stored and later used as fodder for cattle during winter when mobility and access to fresh fodder become challenging due to freezing temperatures and snowfall.
This age-old practice of conserving grass is vital for the survival of the livestock of the area, a cornerstone of the region’s rural economy. Bundles of grass — known locally as ‘luth’ — hanging from trees can commonly be spotted in the Trans-Giri region of the district during the winter months.
These bundles are prepared by villagers after the grass is cut using traditional tools such as ‘daachis’ (a type of sickle). Women, in particular, play a significant role in this process, ensuring the grass is properly stored and rationed to last through the season.
Given the limited availability of resources in the region, each household has perfected the technique of grass preservation over generations.
The collected grass is dried and stored either in bundles suspended from trees or in stack-like structures near their homes.
Villagers emphasise the importance of this practice.
“In the mountains, winter is extremely cold, and snowfall makes outdoor work almost impossible,” says a local resident. “Collecting grass and firewood beforehand ensures that our livestock have adequate fodder and we have fuel for our homes.”
The harvested grass is divided into ‘pule’ (small bundles), which are then combined to form ‘bhara’ (larger bundles).
On average, 10-15 ‘pule’ are used to create a one ‘bhara’. To store the grass securely, a thick wooden stake is driven into the ground, and the bundles are arranged around it in a circular manner, creating a tall stack.
This traditional method not only highlights the ingenuity of rural communities in adapting to challenging conditions but also underscores the sustainable practices embedded in their lifestyle.
The preservation of grass ensures that livestock remains healthy, which is crucial for agricultural activities in the region.
As the landscape of the region transforms into a winter wonderland, the hanging grass bundles and neatly stacked ‘luth’ serve as a testament to the hard work and foresight of these resilient communities.
