Adauri, Fulauri essential to Maithili ceremonies

By Sudha Deo,Bhardaha (Saptari), May 3: In the Maithili community across the Tarai–Madhes, including Saptari, it remains customary for women from the family and neighbourhood to gather and prepare adauri and fulauri before conducting auspicious ceremonies such as weddings and bratabandha (sacred thread ceremony).

Adauri, dumplings made from ground and kneaded black gram, and fulauri, prepared from cooked rice flour, are made collectively, with women ensuring that these items are prepared as an essential part of the wedding rituals.

According to Ranju Dev of Rajbiraj-7, the tradition of preparing adauri and fulauri in groups by married women from the neighbourhood dates back to ancient times in Mithila culture. 

She said, “As the wedding approaches, adauri and fulauri are prepared in advance on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays in sets. These are referred to as Kumar adauri and fulauri.”

Kalpana Dev, another local, said that women sing traditional songs while joyfully preparing these items, a practice that has been continued from the past to the present. 

Regardless of the season, whether during rainfall or winter, it is customary to prepare and dry these ritual foods. Black gram is considered auspicious, so adauri is made from its lentils, while fulauri is prepared by cooking rice flour and shaping it using colours such as red, yellow and green.

Mamta Dev of Rajbiraj Municipality-2 said that after the wedding, adauri is served mixed with curry, while fulauri is fried in oil and offered to the bride, groom and visiting guests.  She added, “Adauri and fulauri are also given as essential gifts when a daughter is married off.”

As a reflection of Madhes culture and tradition, this practice continues to be observed by most Hindu communities living in the region.