Note 4 — Chapter XXIV · ARTS AND AMUSEMENTS

A much prized substance called patcherski is made from samai grain (Panicum miliare), which is roasted and pounded so as to get rid of the husk. It is used in the preparation of a food which is eaten on all the chief ceremonial occasions. When they prepare it the Todas say “ashkkartpimi,” and this verbal form is used as the name of the food. In making ashkkartpimi, patcherski is put into a basket (tòdri) which has been carefully cleansed by rubbing it all over with dried buffalo-dung. Buttermilk and jaggery are added and the whole mixed together and rolled into balls, each about as large as a cricket ball. When eating, a hole is made in the ball into which ghi and butter, sometimes honey, are poured, and then the hole is covered with rice.4 A man will usually eat two of these balls at a feast, but a greedy man may manage three or four.