Handi

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A handi (Hindi: हांड़ी) is a cooking basin made from copper or clay (pot) originating in the Indian subcontinent. It is utilised primarily in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cooking.

This vessel is deep and has a broad mouth, and since there are a wide variety of dishes cooked throughout the Indian subcontinent using the handi, their names vary too, symbolising its use – such as Chicken Handi, Handi Paneer, or Handi Komdi.

Due to the vast differences in language and culture from region to region in the Indian subcontinent, differing names are given to the handi. This includes tasla, tasli, karahi, degchi and ahuna.

The handi is also physically likened to American beanpots, Mexican and Spanish ollas, and French soupières, which are utilised in similar fashion to the handi in regards to cooking.

It is also a major component of the Dahi Handi festival that is celebrated annually to mark the celebration of the birth of Krishna – a Hindu God.