The ancient Roman writer Virgil’s famous Latin phrase is, ‘latet anguis in herba’, or there’s a snake hidden in the grass. I thought of grass in the cultural context last week when going past Delhi’s India Gate lawns in a call-taxi. I found myself thinking of Mithila’s golden ‘Sikki grass’, from which beautiful baskets, boxes, trays, toys and hanging mobiles are made. Rural brides in the Mithila region are said to weave many dainty boxes and baskets from Sikki grass for their trousseau and it’s a skill to be proud of. Sita, trembling with fear but staunchness personified, places a blade of grass between herself and Ravan in the Ashokavana.

Source: Hindustan Times October 07, 2017 15:22 UTC