Lunch Time: A Pause in the Rhythm of Vautha Mela

 

🍛 Lunch Time: A Pause in the Rhythm of Vautha Mela
📸 Text & Photo by – Ashok Karan
🔗 ashokkaran.blogspot.com
#VauthaMela #LunchTimeChronicles #CulturalIndia #GypsyLife #AshokKaranBlogs #AnimalFairIndia #LunchDiplomacy #EverydayIndia

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While covering the vibrant and sprawling Vautha Fair—a major animal trading event held at the confluence of the Sabarmati and Vatrak rivers in Gujarat—I was drawn to a quiet yet touching moment. Vautha Mela, one of the largest animal fairs in the state (akin to the famous Sonpur Mela in Bihar), attracts over five lakh visitors, making it both a commercial hub and a rich cultural gathering.

Amid the bustling scenes of barter, trade, and festivity, I came across a group of gypsy families, living life on their own terms—simple, rustic, and deeply connected to nature. They had gathered wood from nearby bushes to cook their meal. The lunch, modest yet hearty, was shared not just among family members, but also under the watchful eyes of their pet dogs, patiently waiting for their turn.

There was something profoundly human about this scene—a shared moment of stillness in the middle of a chaotic fair, a picture of togetherness and trust between people and their animals. The simplicity of the setting was striking, but it was the attentive pets that brought a deeper emotional value to my frame.

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🕛 What is Lunch Time?

Lunch time, typically between 12 PM and 3 PM, is more than just a scheduled meal break. It’s a cultural ritual, a time to pause, recharge, and reconnect. Across the world, the timing and customs around lunch vary:

• In Western countries, lunch is often scheduled sharply at noon.
• In India, it’s more fluid and can stretch well into the early afternoon.
• Historically, the British Royal Navy adopted three daily meals—including lunch as the main one—to align with shipboard routines.

Even in modern political or corporate spheres, “lunch diplomacy” remains a tool for bonding and negotiation. Lunches are often preferred over dinners, especially among diplomats and professionals who enjoy the informal yet purposeful setting of a midday meal.

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🍽️ Indian Flavors That Travel the World

Some iconic Indian lunch dishes have made their way into global hearts and kitchens, particularly in the United States:

• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Butter Chicken
• Pork Vindaloo
• Lamb Biryani
• Shrimp Korma
• Chana Masala
• Saag Paneer

These are often enjoyed with Tandoori Roti, Rice, or Pulao—each offering a burst of spice, aroma, and warmth.

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🌿 Why Lunch Matters

Lunch isn’t just a meal—it’s energy refueling for the human body. According to nutrition experts, having the largest meal during the day (as opposed to dinner) is healthier. Our bodies are most active during the day, making it the ideal time to consume calories for sustained energy and productivity.

In fact, studies show that people who consume larger lunches and smaller dinners tend to maintain better metabolic health and weight balance.

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📷 Captured Moment:

In the image, gypsy families enjoy lunch under the open sky, while their loyal dogs sit beside them, waiting quietly. It’s a frame that tells a thousand stories—of tradition, survival, and silent companionship.

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