Bhopal, Mar 15: Holi, the Festival of Colours is approaching fast. One can see markets gearing up for this event. Holi is the festival, which is celebrated with enthusiasm and fervour in different parts of the country. Though it is called Festival of Colours but in fact it is festival of sweets also. Even about one week ahead of the festival, markets are fully geared to supply entire paraphernalia of Holi to consumers. This festival is played with applying and sprinkling colours. But one cannot imagine the celebrations of Holi without savouring tasty delicacies and sweets. In preparation for grand occasion, sweet shops galore with different varieties of sweets like Gujia, Balushahi, Chandrakala, Gulabjamun, Chamcham. To add special taste, special salty snacks are also available. For some, there is 'Bhang ka Laddu' to forget worries and enjoy this festival. Bhopal Today Team has tried to find out from the customers and shopkeepers about the most sought-after eatables on the occasion of Holi.

Vijay Kumar Agarwal, owner, Brijwasi Sweets, Roshanpura, New Market says, 'We make several types of sweets on the festival of Holi and this preparation starts well in advance. Moreover, the day of festival is special for everyone. Every person has its own choice. Sweets like Gujia, Gulabjamun and things made from wheat flour are highly demanded during this time. We have made special sweets on this festival which we are going to make available to our customers, three days before Holi'.

Prakash Rathore, Kailash Bhai Gwalior Gajak Sweet House, New Market says,. 'People specially demand Gujia on Holi. In Gujia, most of the people ask for special flavoured Gujia. Some demand dry Gujia stuffed with dry fruits. Along with this, Desi Ghee Ki Gujia, Balushahi, Chandrakala, Doodh Katli, Chena Tarbooz, Rajbhog and Cream Toast are also liked by people.

Raju Sahu of Satyam Sweets and Namkeen Centre, New Market says, 'On Holi, along with Gujia, things like Karela, Balushahi, Gulabjamun, Gulabdane, Rajbarfi, Chene Ki Mithai are high in demand. This time we have Gujia with different flavours. There is sweet Gujia, Salty Gujia, Spicy Gujia and Gujia full of dryfruits.

Views of customers

Vijaya Sharma, Kathak dancer says, 'Sweets double the enjoyment of festival of Holi. Celebrations of Holi are incomplete without sweets. Although, sweets (Pakwaan) are made at home on Holi but sweets at shops are different. We like Chandrakala and Gulabjamun. 'Ghewar' is prepared at home specially on this festival'.

Neeraj, idol maker says, 'Sweets are sine qua non for celebrating Holi. We eat a lot of sweets on this festival. We buy sweets from the market a day before so that freshness is maintained. Chamcham, Chena Tarbooz, Balushahi are our favourite sweets'.

Pragya Rawat, a litterateur says 'We make sweets for Holi at home. As far as buying sweets from the market is concerned, we ensure to buy sweets which are not harmful. Salted Gujia and Gulabjamun are specially demanded during Holi'.

Nutrition value of sweets

Sweets made from wheat flour give carbohydrates

Sweets made from milk are good source of proteins

Sweets are good for giving energy to children

Some special sweets

Pista Diamond, Kaju Pan, Kaju Kesar Barfi, Gujia, Chandrakala, Balushahi, Makkhan Bada, Masala Laddu, Doodh Katli, Chena Tarbooz, Rasma Puri, Pakeeza, Cream Toast. Salted eatables are also liked by people.

Price list

Gujia of Desi Ghee- 160 Rupees a Kg.

Balushahi - 140 Rupees a Kg.

Rajbhog - 150 Rupees a Kg.

Chena Tarbooz - 150 Rupees a Kg.

Doodh Katli - 160 Rupees a Kg.

Barfi - 120 Rupees a Kg.

Pakiza - 150 Rupees a Kg.

Kaju Kishmish - 100 Rupees a Kg.

Pede - 130 Rupees a Kg.