A labor carries betel leaves from a wholesale market to transport for retail shops in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Nov. 23, 2022. (Str/Xinhua)

Labors carry betel leaves from a wholesale market to transport for retail shops in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Nov. 23, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

Betel leaves, native to Southeast Asia, are of great cultural and religious importance as well as health benefits in India.

People in the country, old and young, are all obsessed with the glossy heart-shaped leaves that signify prosperity and fresh beginnings.

The leaves are used as a stimulant, an antiseptic, and a breath freshener in India and are often chewed together in a wrapped package along with a variety of ingredients including areca nuts -- a treat known as Paan which is seen everywhere in India.

Let's begin the day by visiting a wholesale market for betel leaves in  Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura.

Labors carry betel leaves from a wholesale market to transport for retail shops in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Nov. 23, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

 

Labors carry betel leaves from a wholesale market to transport for retail shops in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Nov. 23, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

 

Labors carry betel leaves from a wholesale market to transport for retail shops in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Nov. 23, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

 

A labor carries betel leaves from a wholesale market to transport for retail shops in Agartala, the capital city of India's northeastern state of Tripura, Nov. 23, 2022. Photo: Xinhua