ठन ! ठन ! ठन ! ठन !
Every Indian is familiar with this sound. We’ve all heard it in schools when the session was over, in hidden alleyways as the thatheras worked with their hammer, and in our kitchens as we scrambled to take out the best of our kitchen accessories for a grand feast.
This sound is precious - a cue for happiness and prosperity that is about to come. And there is one metal behind it all - the brass.
This metal is everywhere in Indian society, utilized in making everything. But its use is most prevalent in kitchens. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, you’ll find all kinds of utensils made from brass - kadhai, patila/handi, paraat, tawa, lagan, glasses, bowls, spice boxes, and serving spoons. But among them all, the brass thali holds a place of honor.
This one utensil makes the star of every thoughtful table spread, every festive ritual, and every traditional choice when it comes to gifting. Sure, its practical value is undeniable, but what about its spiritual and cultural value?
The Auspiciousness & Traditional Value of Brass Thalis
Health, aesthetic, and tradition - these three qualities have made brass thali sets desirable for generations. However, beyond its practical use or visual appeal, this utensil is also revered for its sacred significance, having been used for Hindu rituals for centuries. Why? Well, mainly for three reasons:
- The natural golden sheen of a brass thali is said to symbolize prosperity, wealth, and good health. It is also known to invite divine blessings. That is why brass thalis remain a popular choice for Diwali pooja, attracting the grace of Maa Laxmi.
- In Hindu tradition, Agni represents the sacred fire, standing witness to the offerings made during the pooja. The natural warmth and golden luster of brass echo that very energy of Agni, elevating the spiritual significance of the ritual.
- Brass is regarded as a ‘satvik’ metal, signifying purity and virtue. That is why a brass thali is known to invite positive energy, helping you create a peaceful and balanced space for your rituals and ceremonies.
Brass Thalis are a Festive Favorite
Among the many things to buy on Dhanteras, a brass thali always makes a popular choice. It is simply very affordable, thoughtful, and a lot more durable than other metals.
What are the Health Benefits of Brass?
Yes, you’ve read it right! Eating, drinking, and cooking in brass utensils is known to bring a bagful of health benefits. No wonder our grandparents always insisted on eating from thalis made from brass. Be it the kadhai for simmering curries, the patila or handi for cooking rice, the paraat for kneading with dough, or the glass for serving water, here is how brass can help you adopt a healthier lifestyle:
- Since brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, it is known to help boost digestion and aid you in your weight loss journey.
- Copper is known for its antibacterial properties, which the brass inherits. Its ions kill much of the bacteria on the surface, making brass naturally hygienic. That’s why drinking and eating from brass utensils contributes to improving immunity. It is also known to pacify several worm-related diseases.
- Ever wondered why, on a blazing summer afternoon, you feel a lot more dozy and tired than normal? That’s your pitta at play - one of the three doshas of the human body as described by Ayurveda. Drinking from a brass vessel can help relieve this tiredness, balancing the pitta along with the other two doshas - vata and kapha.
- Many studies have proven that cooking in brass utensils only leads to 7% loss in the original nutrient composition, offering you rich and healthy food.
- Do you have difficulties remembering things? Well, eating or drinking from brass utensils can help you enhance your memory.
Is Using Brass Utensils Safe for Daily Use?
Absolutely! However, before you use a brass utensil, ensure that it is lined with a tin coating (or qalai). This saves copper and tin leaching into your food, especially when you are cooking with highly acidic or alkaline ingredients like tomato and vinegar.
Why Handmade Brass Thalis Make Every Moment More Special
Did you know, besides gold and silver, brass thalis also made a popular choice for kings and royals across India for dining? It was believed that brass has the properties to detect poison. While that is yet to be proven, the royal appeal of brass hasn’t faded a bit. Today, it makes the crown jewel of any kitchen arsenal for the following reasons:
- 100% Sustainable: Made from the alloy of two naturally occurring metals, copper and zinc, brass thalis are eco-friendly and built to last generations, making every moment guilt-free and green.
- Incredibly Durable: They are strong and sturdy, withstanding daily use with festive rituals alike. Interestingly, a carefully crafted brass thali can become a family heirloom, being passed from grandparents to parents and then to the third generation.
- Ideal Heat Conductivity: Brass distributes heat evenly, keeping your food at an ideal temperature, even when you are gone for a long time.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Polished to a golden shine and often adorned with intricate designs, these thalis add elegance and charm to every dining experience.
What is the Lifespan of Brass Utensils?
It’s hard to say. Handcrafted brass utensils can last a lifetime, sometimes two. They are durable, corrosion-resistant, and usually made to withstand daily use. That being said, factors like metal thickness or quality, usage frequency, and regular maintenance also play a major role in determining the lifespan of these utensils.
Fun Fact: The oldest brass utensils discovered are from the Indus Valley Civilization, with archaeological findings dating to 2600-1900 BCE. That’s over 4,625 years old!
The Modern Appeal of Brass Thalis: For Gifting & Beyond
Whether it’s for Diwali gifting, weddings, housewarmings, or even as a premium corporate gift, a brass thali carries both elegance and meaning, making your gesture memorable. In today’s kitchens, it effortlessly blends traditional charm with contemporary aesthetics, adding a golden touch to sleek countertops or open shelves. And its versatility goes beyond just dining. You can use it as a serving platter for special meals or as a decor accent that elevates your living space. So, by gifting a brass thali, you’re sharing a piece of culture that’s practical, stylish, and timeless.
Featured Brass Thali Sets from Artarium
- Brass Plain Thali set - As classic as they come, this thali features three bowls, a spoon, and a glass to make all your dining experiences extra special.
- Brass Hammered thali set - Crafted with traditional hammering techniques, this brass thali makes a beautiful choice for your dinner table.
- Handcrafted Etching brass thali - set of 6 - This one is designed to make every meal an unforgettable affair. Each utensil in this set is beautifully engraved and polished, offering you a standout choice for all your meals.
How to Care & Maintain Your Brass Thali
Want to make sure your brass thali lasts a long time? Here are a few steps you can follow to ensure the same:
- Rinse your brass thali with warm water and mild soap after each use to remove food residues. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the metal’s natural shine.
- Always wipe your thali dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and tarnishing. Leaving it wet can dull its golden glow over time.
- Use a natural brass cleaner like a Pitambari powder or a mix of lemon and salt to gently polish your thali. This keeps it bright and restores its traditional golden gleam.
- Keep your brass thali in a dry place, ideally wrapped in a soft cloth, to protect it from scratches and moisture.
- Citrus, tamarind, or tomato-based dishes can corrode brass if left too long. Serve such foods sparingly or transfer leftovers promptly.
- If using your thali for pooja, a simple rinse with clean water followed by gentle polishing can maintain both its spiritual and aesthetic appeal.
So, Let’s Sip, Serve, and Stay Healthy
For more than a thousand years, brass has been a beloved metal in any field or industry. It has shaped and reshaped traditions across the globe, carrying with it a legacy of craftsmanship, beauty, and spiritual significance.
And that charm and history are very much reflected in a brass thali set. So be it for sacred rituals or modern dining, let your home shine with this token of timeless prosperity.
