Hilika

Hilika, also known as haritiki, has become just as integral to our embroidery as our needle and thread. Hilika is usually consumed after a meal to aid digestion similar to saunf (fennel seeds) or alsi (flaxseed). 

As we sit and begin work, Aita comes and places hilika (usually in a bota) in front of us. It’s almost like a signal to begin our work. 

Chewing on it and toying with the seed in our mouths, we chat and embroider on. As I leave, Aita hands me some in my hand, you know, for the journey, till we meet again.