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ESIND

The writer at an Indian market. The leaves he holds in his hand are filled with pieces of tobacco and spices, then folded and placed in the mouth. People chew and suck on them like they would chew tobacco. The juice from this mixture, called “pan,” is dark red. Anyone who opens their mouth while chewing gives the eerie impression of having a mouth full of blood. Women also chew pan and make sure their teeth turn red, which they consider beautiful. (Why not? Whether you make your lips red or your teeth...)

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Part of ‘Op bezoek bij een Indisch Zamindar’ (‘Visiting an Indian Zamindar’)

The writer at an Indian market. The leaves he holds in his hand are filled with pieces of tobacco and spices, then folded and placed in the mouth. People chew and suck on them like they would chew tobacco. The juice from this mixture, called “pan,” is dark red. Anyone who opens their mouth while chewing gives the eerie impression of having a mouth full of blood. Women also chew pan and make sure their teeth turn red, which they consider beautiful. (Why not? Whether you make your lips red or your teeth...)
Title
The writer at an Indian market. The leaves he holds in his hand are filled with pieces of tobacco and spices, then folded and placed in the mouth. People chew and suck on them like they would chew tobacco. The juice from this mixture, called “pan,” is dark red. Anyone who opens their mouth while chewing gives the eerie impression of having a mouth full of blood. Women also chew pan and make sure their teeth turn red, which they consider beautiful. (Why not? Whether you make your lips red or your teeth...)