Date: 1964
Location: Bhojpur
Description: Two people share a glass of raksi in front of the traditional "still" used to ferment it. The large pot holds the fermented millet which is heated over a fire. The steam condenses on the bottom of the brass cone-shaped pot and drips down into the smaller earthenware pot resting on top of the millet. The cone-shaped pot is filled with cold water to enhance condensation, and the water is periodically changed, making for different batches. The raksi made from the "first water" is, of course, the best. The woman in the picture, locally known as the "Mantrini" because her husband had been Minister of Agriculture (Mantri) until he was imprisoned by the King. She was the landlady of Peace Corps volunteer Larry Daloz and became a very close friend.
