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�WE�RE going for a change of water.� That does sound so quaint, but I recall that�s what we used to hear our elders say to neighbours before we left for our summer holidays to Panchgani. Once there, the kawad-wala would be summoned, earthern pots filled, the first glass of water thirstily drunk and then the inevitable sigh, �Wow, the water here is so good!�
There would be many rallies of these water-bearers who we called �pani-mamas�, through the day. There was no tap water. We�d drink only well water. Not just drink but also cook and bathe with it. Thirty years hence, in spite of running water, the tradition continues. I find the same kind of locals, old and retired, ply water to many households. They haul it for free from the community well outside the market, fill it in two converted oil tins, attach them to ends of a bamboo pole, swing it on their shoulders and go trudging around Panchgani, to shops and homes, selling as unique a commodity as well water! If the two tins cost a few paisas formerly, it just costs Rs. 10 now. No big deal the increase, considering the inherent goodness in it and the fact that it would fill at least 30 bottles of water for which we pay Rs. 12 each, contaminated and all.
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Well Water ... For Sale!
True. The water we drank in Panchgani came from deep wells. It was rich in iron and other minerals and drinking it all summer made us strong and robust children. Mom said it was healthy and we had no reason to disbelieve. She knew best.
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