Animal husbandry serves as a vital livelihood source for rural women across the mountain regions. By raising cows and buffaloes, these women not only produce milk but also process it into traditional items like curd, ghee, and buttermilk, securing a steady household income and employment right from home. In Bageshwar, the continuous demand for such locally crafted dairy products reflects the deep appreciation for regional items.
Prema Koranga, the operator of Bageshnath Dairy located in the Saras Market of Bageshwar, explains that the establishment is widely recognized for its authentic milk-based products. Milk and curd arrive at the dairy from various surrounding villages of Bageshwar, which are then used to churn out fresh buttermilk on a daily basis. A notable aspect of this routine is that the beverage is prepared every morning and made available to customers throughout the day.
According to dairy operator Prema Koranga, the buttermilk is crafted entirely from locally sourced milk and curd. The demand for this cooling drink experiences a significant spike particularly during the summer season. She shared that roughly 20 to 30 liters of buttermilk are sold effortlessly on a daily basis. Along with nearby residents, visitors and shoppers coming into the market frequently purchase and take away the fresh beverage.
The price for the buttermilk prepared at Bageshnath Dairy is kept at around 30 rupees per liter. Because it is fresh, locally made, and offered at an affordable rate, consumers naturally gravitate toward it. Many people consider this traditional option far superior to packaged and processed cold beverages available in the commercial market.
The preparation involves churning fresh curd and blending in the appropriate proportion of water to achieve the right consistency, along with salt added according to taste. During the hot summer months, buttermilk is heavily favored as a traditional beverage that provides natural internal cooling. It contains essential nutrients derived from milk alongside vital fluids, which helps prevent dehydration and keeps the body well-hydrated.
Such community-level production plays a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy. Transporting milk from villages to the dairy ensures that livestock owners secure a reliable market for their produce, while consumers receive fresh and wholesome goods. The buttermilk produced at Bageshnath Dairy stands as a clear example of this strong local connection, carving out a distinct identity in the Bageshwar market due to its freshness and economical pricing.
