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Traditional sweets, namkeen integral to Punjabi
festivities
by Savinder
Singh
Jalandhar:
The people of Punjab have a tradition of distributing
sweets and namkeens (salty snack) among near and dear
ones. Though these delicacies are available at many
outlets, buying them from Jalandhar holds its own
charm. Many people believe savouring these local delicacies
called "Bhaji" in Jalandhar double up their taste.
One of the most popular shops for these sweets and
namkeens in Jalandhar is of Devidas Yograj in the
central town market. The appealing display of the
delicacies like Mathiis, dry Samosas, Khurma and Ladoos
makes it all mouthwatering for just anyone. Though
a big number of regular customers keep visiting this
shop, there are many who get it packed in boxes to
distribute it on special occasions. "As people don't
like sweets any more, they come here from far and
wide to buy the delicacies. Here they get fresh and
delicious items with a special taste," said one of
the customers at Devidas' shop. "I visited this shop
for the first time along with my friend who wanted
to buy Mathiis. Since then I turned a regular visitor
here. I relish eating Mathiis of this shop in my breakfast,"
said another customer. On wedding or any Punjabi festival,
customers make a beeline at Devidas's popular shop
for these sweets due to their special taste and variety.
They want it in packets to distribute them among near
and dear ones. Distribution of these sweets and namkeens
is viewed as a gesture of sharing happiness and greetings.
"It's a tradition that we are following. These delicacies
are said to be lucky for any occasion," said Gurinder
Singh, another customer. Though these days children's
favourite are sweets and chocolates, the taste of
these sweets and namkeens received on special occasions
like marriages or festivals holds its own charm. Keeping
track of the modern trends, Devidas has arranged for
gift packs. "We use only the best quality of ghee,
maida (flour), and besan (gram flour). Today people
don't eat sweets because of the high calories in it.
In our dishes the sweet is minimal and can be preserved
for a long time. Other sweets perish if kept for long,
but `Bhaji' remains fresh even for a week and more,"
said Devidas, who has been into this profession for
two decades.
- Mar
4, 2008
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