Chigali

Chigali is a popular tasty tangy Tamarind^[1] treat usually made and relished by kids in Southern India, especially in the state of Karnataka.^[2] No less known than its deliciousness is Chigali's enjoyable preparation method and associated fun group activity^[3] for kids at Home or amongst kids in the neighborhood. Chigali is associated with fond memories^[4] of fun and mischief, togetherness, playfulness of Childhood for adults. Chigali candies in Malls and supermarkets^[2] usually evoke nostalgia^[5] upon their sight. Chigali is also called Imli ki Goli^[6][7][8] in Northern India.

Pronunciation

Chigali is a Kannada word which is the official and chief language of the state of Karnataka India. In Kannada, it is written as ಚಿಗಳಿ. Pronunciation of 'li' in Chigali is not the same as 'li' in English word Alkali. 'Li' of Chigali is represented by 'ḷi' in equivalent^[9] English.

Chigali in Childhood

Deliciousness apart, the enjoyable and joyous aspect of Chigali for kids is, that it is most often prepared and enjoyed hoodwinking^[2] adults by stealing the ingredients from kitchens.^[10] Many a time, kids of the neighborhood sneak^[4] out the necessary ingredients from kitchen unbeknown to adults. They gather at some place, mix the ingredients, and pound it in to an even consistency. Make small balls of it. Stick some stick into it and enjoy it like a lollipop.^[4] Some times kids decide which ingredient^[11] each one ought^[2] to sneak out from their home. It would be a sort of mission to be accomplished. And when all the ingredients are gathered, the next fun part of taking turns at pounding and mixing the ingredients begins.

Chigali and Adults

Mostly, adults end up preparing Chigali for kids to stop their pestering for it. Chigali is also a tool for adults, taking either the form of an incentive or a bribe or a reward or to soothe/pacify a crying child. Often the tangy treat once prepared does not remain untasted by the entire family. Chigali is associated with fond memories^[4] of fun and mischief, togetherness, playfulness of Childhood for adults. At times, women in pregnancy crave for it and relish it. Some times, visits to malls and supermarkets^[2] evoke nostalgia^[5] upon sight of packed Chigali candies.

Health benefits

Benefits of Chigali are essentially the same as its constituent ingredients, chiefly Tamarind. Some claim Tamarind^[1][12] is used for relieving constipation, stomach disorders, cough, cold, to alleviate nausea in pregnancy etc.

Preparation and Ingredients

The chief ingredient Tamarind is combined with other ingredients and nicely pounded in a Kutni (ಕುಟ್ನಿ in Kannada, Mortar & Pestle in English) or in a Oralukallu (Household Stone tools in Karnataka) to make it into an even consistency. Then it is rolled between palms to make small round balls. After that, if preferred, they are stuck on sticks/tooth picks/straws/handles of spoon^[13] etc. and enjoyed akin to lollipops^[14] by kids. In Supermarkets^[2] and malls it is available wrapped^[14] in thin transparent covers like candies.

Kids mostly lay their hands on basic ingredients, tamarind, salt and chilli powder to make Chigali.

Adults desirous of making Chigali use varieties of ingredients and try out various combinations. The ingredients may include combinations of any in the following list,

1. Tamarind
2. Jaggery
3. Sugar
4. Salt
5. Chilli powder
6. Asafoetida
7. Cumin seeds
8. Ghee or any vegetable oil
9. Garlic^[15]
10. Pepper^[16] etc.

Others with similar names

• Chigali Unde/Undi ^[17][18][19]- A sweet dish also called Yellunde in Karnataka made with Ellu (Black Sesame seeds) and Jaggery.
• Chigali - Place names
  • 1) A village(Chigali/Chigalli)^[20][21] 6 km away from Mundgod, in Belagavi Taluk Karnataka India.
  • 2) A place^[22] under Kurnool city in Andhra Pradesh India
  • 3) A place^[23] in the region of Southern, Zambia Africa.
• Chigali - Iruve-chatni,^[24] a cuisine of Banakal, Karnataka India

Trivia

In a Kannada movie ‘Ulta Palta’, a song^[25][26][27] ‘ Chigali Oh Chigali....' can be found.

References