Chintamani Chaats- "Addirindi!!!"

The very mention of Chintamani Chaats will brighten many faces. The tongue moves over the lips signalling the craving of the taste-buds. The spontaneous word that comes with Chintamani to many outsiders is Chaats- such is it's popularity. It's almost customary to have the stalls that serve Chintamani Chaats at the wedding parties and other occasions. There are many Chaat shops sprinkled around Chintamani, each outlet has it's distinctive tastes.  

The word Chaat is derived from North India, usually referred to an evening snack and savory available on the roadside carts. But the Chaat Masala(mixture of ingredients, mainly Amchur, Ginger and Black Salt) used in the north Indian snack is not used in the process of making Chintamani Chaats. In Chintamani Chaats there are mainly two kinds of Chutneys that impart tastes to all the savouries. A green chutney made out of green chillies, coriander leaves etc and has one variant with garlic (they call it RR masala) and a dark brown sauce(gojju) made out of Tamarind and Jaggery ( Dates could be added too) are the main elements. Red Chilly powder is also used for few items. The other ingredients required to prepare Chintamani Chaats are Puffed rice (burugalu), Nippattu, Chuckli, Groundnuts, Corn Flakes, etc, and Onions, Tomatoes, Carrot & Coriander leaves.

The main items sold in every Chaat outlet in Chintamani are
* Kharam Burugalu(Puffed Rice masala) in 3-5 flavors
* Nippattu Masala
* Onion Chuckli Masala
* Tomato Slice Masala
* Pesarubyallu (Dal Masala)
* Oumpudi Masala (Sev Masala)
* Cornflakes Masala
* Cucumber Masala
* Boti Masala
* Peragu Boondhi (Yogurt with Savory)
* Sweet Corn Masala
And there are many other preparations/savories which the shop owners innovate to induce costumer interest.

Unlike the North Indian Chaats which could be heavy on stomach, the Chintamani Chaats are light on tummy and can be consumed anytime of the day. And not to forget, it's light on the pocket too- with 100 rupees 3 or 4 people can have a blasting time enjoying all the mouth-watering delicacies. If you live in Chintamani you are never far from a Chaat shop. So what are you waiting for, head towards the nearest outlet. Those who live outside Chintamani plan your visit to Chintamani. With Chintamani Chaats .... it is the true Chintamani Calling!!:)

CHINTAMANI NEEDS YOU!!! TAKE THE POLL POSITION!!

The moment the election date was announced there was a frantic activity to obtain party tickets by prospective candidates.There was also talks that the big national parties issued tickets in return of crores of rupees. Now, in the run up to the assembly elections the candidates have been hand tied during campaigning. Thanks to the strict monitoring by The Election Commission of India, an autonomous body. There's no too much of sound polluting loud-speakers, and there's no nuisance of posters and huge banners. Kudos to the Karnataka State Election Commission!!

Despite their efforts few political parties try to lure the voters offering them money and gifts. The prospective candidates donate huge sums to the communities and associations to obtain their 'blessings'. Liquor also plays an important role in the run up to the elections.

The declining voter turnout is a cause of concern. For example, during the municipal elections in Chintamani only 55% of the eligible voters came to the polling booths, after all the wooing by various political parties. There's a threat of non-voters becoming a majority, a slap on the face of a democracy. 

The worry is, the educated refraining from casting their votes.  The Election Commission is spending huge sums on a campaign to educate the so called educated about the importance of voting or the problems of them not voting. What an apathy!! All the government departments and banks have been instructed to initiate activities that could increase voter turnout. The sales tax department have requested all the business establishments to put a seal on all the bills generated reminding the citizens their primary duty. The Chintamani FMCG Distributors association and the Merchants Association of Chintamani have jointly put placards at all the shops to help the cause. Hope all the efforts by the government and various organisations fetches results, and if we see atleast 75% of the voting population taking part in the poll process that could be a victory of sorts.

A considerable number of people from Chintamani work and reside in Bangalore. It's time for the educated to unite and do the due! Here's an appeal to all those ambassadors of Chintamani, cast your vote this weekend. Kindly dedicate the Sunday 5-5-2013 for Chintamani. 

Kindly vote!! Chintamani needs you!!
Chintamani Calling!!