The traditional use of “Dhiki” and “Jato,” tools for grinding and milling grains in villages, is gradually declining. With the introduction of modern electric mills in rural areas for processing rice, maize, and flour, Dhiki and Jato are fading away.
As modern mills powered by electricity, petrol, and diesel have become more accessible, the reliance on traditional methods for grinding and milling has diminished. Additionally, the increasing dependence on imported rice, lentils, and other food products has contributed to the decline of Dhiki and Jato.
In the past, Dhiki and Jato were commonly used for husking rice and grinding wheat, millet, maize, buckwheat, and lentils. However, people now prefer using modern mills for these tasks. According to 99-year-old Beni Bahadur Bista, a local elder, Dhiki and Jato were once essential in every household a decade ago, but their usage is now disappearing. He emphasizes the need to preserve these traditional technologies, which have been passed down through generations.
“Traditional tools like Dhiki, Jato, and water mills are disappearing from villages,” he said. “They were once essential in every household, but with technological advancements, they are becoming history.” As electricity has reached rural areas, most people have installed electric mills to process rice, maize, and oil, leading to the decline of traditional Dhiki and Jato.
Although modern mills have made milling easier, locals say Dhiki and Jato are on the verge of extinction. Tilak Bahadur Bista, a resident, acknowledges that traditional milling requires more effort but believes the food processed using Dhiki and Jato is healthier and tastier.
“Modern mills make grinding and milling convenient, but traditional methods are vanishing. Since milling in modern mills is faster, people have stopped using Dhiki and Jato,” he added. He noted that while these tools were once found in almost every household, they are now disappearing.
In remote areas where electricity has not yet reached, Dhiki and Jato are still in use. However, in electrified villages, the tradition of using these tools has almost vanished, according to resident Ram Bahadur Bista.
With technological advancements, traditional Dhiki and Jato are becoming historical artifacts. Ram Bahadur Bista stresses the importance of preserving these tools and passing them on to future generations. He also pointed out that Dhiki remains essential for grinding rice and flour used in religious rituals.
Despite requiring more effort, traditional milling is cost-effective and yields nutritious food. “Even though it takes more effort, food processed with Dhiki and Jato is beneficial,” he said. “It is unfortunate that these traditions are vanishing from our villages. We need to preserve them.”
Although modern mills have made daily life easier, locals believe they also strip food of its nutritional value. Experts emphasize the importance of preserving traditional tools like Dhiki and Jato to ensure that future generations remain connected to their heritage.
