Bhopal, May 17: The young generation is coming out of the influence of branded cold and soft drinks including Pepsi, Coca Cola, Thumps Up, Sprite etc and are opting to their Desi alternatives including chilled lemon water, Pana, buttermilk, Shikanji, sugarcane juice, watermelon juice, fruit juice, Lassi and orange juice. But recently, the Nariyal Pani (Raw coconut water) has gained much popularity among Bhopalites, especially youth and it does not cost much at Rs 12 per coconut.

people find it very tasty as well as healthy. That is why hand carts offering Nariyan Pani can be seen in every area of city including Link road no. 1, Roshanpura, GTB Complex, MP Nagar either sides of the road. Passers by think it is wise to have it before going ahead in this scorching heat.

Neha Khare, pursuing BEd, says, 'Though it is very popular in Southern India but it is coming to terms even in Hindi belt. I prefer this to cola because of health reasons. It is very beneficial in summers.' Tripti Agrawal says, 'As summers come Nariyal Pani demand gets increased. And it is getting more popular with every passing year. Whenever I see any such stall while passing from link road I must take it.'

Aruna Singh, students, says, 'I prefer Nariyal Pani to cola because of its nutritional value. Though test wise cola is excellent but it is injurious to health.' Another student Monica Yadav is of the view that in this hot weather nothing can quench your thirst as Nariyal Pani. Whenever he is with friends then he must take such tasty drink.

Rajesh Rathor, has been vending Nariyal Pani handcart for the last 8-10 years at link road 1, says it comes from Indore and gets changed in every weak. On an average he sells 40 to 50 Nariyal Pani per day at the price of Rs 15 per piece.

OTHER POPULAR LOCAL DRINKS

There are a lot of alternatives available for those who do not like either branded soft and cold drinks nor Nariyal Pani. The options are Lassi, watermelon juice, orange juice, fruit juice, mango juice, Jal Zeera, Pana and Nimboo Pani etc. These juices are readily available at shops, kiosks and even on handcarts in all parts of the city. Most of the people are opting for Desi soft drinks for health reasons. According to them, locally made soft drinks have some food contents also as against branded drinks and do not contain harmful substances such as insecticides. Some people do not drink juices in the market places and prepare one for themselves and the family members at home.