Surat (October 29, 2023) - Ghari, a sweet dish from Surat, India, has become synonymous with the city and is now enjoyed by Indians all over the world. On the occasion of Chandni Padwa, a popular Hindu festival, the demand for Ghari skyrockets. This year, exports of Ghari from Surat have increased by 100% compared to last year.
"Surat's Jaman (food) and Kashi's Maran (death)," a popular saying goes, highlighting the city's culinary reputation. Ghari has made Surat even more famous. Suratis are known for their love of food, and thousands of kilos of wheat and straw are sold in the Surat district on the day of Chandni Padwa.
This Ghari is not only popular in the Surat district, but has also gained a lot of fame in foreign countries. Ghari starts being exported abroad even before the month of Chandni Padwa. Native Indians and Indians living abroad celebrate all the festivals with great enthusiasm.
For the celebration of Chandani Padwa, Surati people living abroad do not fail to get Ghari from Surat. This year also, thousands of kilos of Ghari have been parceled abroad. During the Corona period, people could not eat Ghari, but since the situation became stable since last year, the parcel of Ghari has gradually increased.
Now cooperative societies and institutions have also started making Ghari. This is to ensure that the quality of Ghari, including the mawa (milk solids), is maintained. To avoid adulteration, they have now started making Ghari themselves in a pure and clean environment.
As a result, they are making a profit of Rs 200 to 300 per kg above the market price. This directly benefits the buyers. Apart from Surat, this Ghari has been parceled to other cities of the state and abroad. There has been a 100 percent increase in Ghari parcels this year as compared to last year.
People celebrate Chandni Padwa with joy and enthusiasm by eating Ghari. The same Ghari was made in Surat years ago in the form of ghost food i.e. laddu after the Barma (Twelfth, Tervi) ritual on the occasion of death. Today, the same Ghari has become a favorite food and people eat it in a group sitting with family and friends on the day of Chandni Padwa.
The increase in Ghari exports from Surat is a testament to the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination. It is also a reflection of the strong cultural ties that bind Indians all over the world.
