In a village in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, men lift a covering made of dried palm leaves used to protect paddy stored inside a circular bamboo container.
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A woman weaves a bamboo basket using palm leaf stem for binding to give it durability.
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Bangaru, a resident of Tirupatipalem village, creates a boat-like container from fresh palm leaves. Locally called the doppa, it is used for drinking tatikallu or the white juice extracted from the tree.
A palm leaf umbrella to provide shade from the sun.
A boy cuts open unripened fruits to drink the sap filled inside, which is locally called tatimunju. It is best enjoyed sipping while holding the fruit in hand.
Bangaru prepares to climb a palmyra palm tree in Neliwada village.
A glimpse of Bangaru midway through the climb.
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When at the top, Bangaru uses an earthen pot to gather the tatikallu that drips down.
Evening is perhaps the best time to enjoy the drink.
Dried palm leaves are used to thatch roofs. Seen here, a palm leaf shelter for cattle.
A house with palm leaf-covered walls and roof.
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The lead image at the top shows thatch roofs made with palm leaves (Photo by Deepanwita Gita Niyogi)
All photos and text by Deepanwita. She is a journalist based in New Delhi. An alumna of Asian College of Journalism, she writes about rural development, gender and climate change.
