Surat Residents Feast on Fafdas And Jalebis Worth Rs 4.5 Cr on Dussehra

Surat : Surat, the city of diamonds, renowned as the gastronomy capital of Gujarat, observes the age-old tradition of celebrating Dussehra with an extravagant feast of fafdas and jalebis. The popular saying ‘Surat Nu Jaman, Ane Kashi Nu Maran’ (Eat in Surat and die in Kashi) perfectly captures the essence of this culinary celebration.

As the nation rejoiced in the victory of good over evil during the festival of Dussehra, the city of Surat had its unique way of commemorating the occasion with a  strong tradition of indulging in fafdas and jalebis on this special day.

On the day of Dussehra, residents of Surat flocked to farsan and mithai shops across the city from the early hours. Many of these shops set up roadside counters, making these delectable treats easily accessible to the celebrants. This tradition of feasting on fafdas and jalebis has deep roots in Surat’s culture, and it’s no surprise that on Dussehra, Surtis collectively devoured fafdas and jalebis worth a staggering Rs 4.5 crore.

The scene on Dussehra morning was nothing short of spectacular. Thousands of eager residents formed long queues outside farsan stalls and mithai shops, all eager to get their hands on these crispy and sweet delights. Fafdas were selling for Rs 440 per kilogram, while jalebis ranged from Rs 470 to Rs 600 per kilogram.

Raju Patel, the owner of a farsan shop in Adajan, went the extra mile by opening his fafda and jalebi counter the night before Dussehra. This counter remained open throughout the night to serve the enthusiastic customers who arrived in droves on the day of the festival. Rajubhai’s dedication paid off, as he estimated that he sold approximately 350 kilograms of fafdas and 300 kilograms of jalebis by the morning of Dussehra.

Interestingly, in the diamond hub of Varachha, Katarga, Ved Road, Puna, and Mota Varachha, the Saurashtrian Patels celebrated Dussehra by indulging in a different treat—’Vanela Ganthia’ and jalebis. This unique twist in the celebration demonstrated the diversity and richness of Surat’s culinary culture.

Shailesh Thakkar, the owner of Thakkar Farsan Mart in Adajan, shared his excitement about the bustling business during Dussehra, stating, “The business was phenomenal. We sold more than Rs 4 lakh worth of fafdas and jalebis in just six hours on Dussehra. There were long queues outside our shop, and people had started coming in since early morning.”

“The celebration of Dussehra in Surat is a testament to the city’s vibrant culture, where culinary traditions play a significant role. The city’s love for fafdas and jalebis on this auspicious day continues to unite its residents and showcase the rich tapestry of flavors that Surat has to offer” said Dr. Ashish Naik, deputy municipal commissioner (health and hospital).