Vada, World Poetry Day Special by P V Vaidialingam
In the land of South, where spices roam,
There is a snack that’s far from alone.
VADAI, they call it in South,
VADA they call it, in north.
Sibling of idli in the morning breakfast,
With Black Gram’s embrace, its journey starts.
Jumping into oil,
like a daredevil sprite,
Emerging like a blonde, a crispy delight.
With an aroma so rich, it is hard to resist,
Even before it’s out, our mouths can’t desist.
Breakfast calls, coconut chutney in tow,
With sambar dancing, an exquisite show.
Lunchtime arrives, it’s Rasa Vada’s turn,
Or it is Dahi Vada, a creamy churn.
Pongal too, finds Vadai’s company great,
An alliance formed which is, quite a treat.
Like a seasoned politician, it changes its stance,
With every dish,
it seeks to enhance.
A chameleon of snacks, it adapts with glee,
Versatile and beloved, for all to see.
On festive days,
it reigns supreme,
Next only comes, the famous payasam cream.
In Tamil lore, it is a cosmic delight,
Cooked on the moon, in grandma’s sight.
O Vada ! you’re loved, far and wide,
A snack so divine, in which we confide.
Indispensable and beloved, through and through,
Oh Vada !, you don’t know how much we love you!
