13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Preparing the Paan

Shot in Bagan at one of the many Paan vendors. Paan is a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut and sometimes also with tobacco. It is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects. After chewing it is either spat out or swallowed. Paan has many variations. Slaked lime (chunnam) paste is commonly added to bind the leaves. Some South Asian preparations include katha paste or mukhwas to freshen the breath. Myanmar 2015

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2015
Date Uploaded: 11.2015
Photo Location: New Bagan, Myanmar
Camera: NIKON D610
Copyright: © Peter Sawers