Ghari, Once Served as Pret Bhojan, Has Now Become a Delicacy: Discover the History of Surat’s Trademark Sweet

Tomorrow marks the festival of Chandani Padva, a special occasion for the people of Surat, celebrated with the unique tradition of eating Ghari. In recent times, Ghari has become not just a sweet treat in Surat but a symbol of the city’s festive spirit. 

However, few people know that this delightful sweet, which is now enjoyed during celebrations, was once associated with mourning ceremonies as “Pret Bhojan” (food served during funerals).

Years ago, Ghari was prepared with brains for funeral occasions in Surat. Additionally, many people may be unaware of the connection between Surat’s Ghari and the revolt of 1857. 

During this uprising, the army of Tatya Tope was said to have consumed Ghari in large quantities. It is believed that this marked the beginning of the tradition of communal Ghari eating in Surat.

The Historical Connection of Surat’s Ghari to the 1857 Revolt

Many residents of Surat assert that there is a connection between the city’s Ghari and the revolt of 1857. Knowledgeable locals explain that during that time, it was the month of Aso, and Tatya Tope’s army gathered in Surat to eat Ghari collectively. 

This event is believed to have initiated the tradition of consuming Ghari on the day of the festival, a practice that continues to this day.

Ghari: From Mourning Tradition to Celebrated Sweet of Surat

The Ghari of Surat is not only renowned across the country and abroad, but it has also become a traditional sweet of the city that is now quite expensive. Years ago, this sweet was used in mourning ceremonies as “Pret Bhojan” (food served during funerals). Today, people enjoy Ghari in large groups with their family and friends, a stark contrast to its original association with death.

In the past, when someone passed away in Surat, Ghari made with brains was served during the mourning rituals on the 12th and 13th days following the death. Back then, Ghari was considered part of the funeral meal. However, the discerning taste of Surat’s residents has transformed Ghari from a dish associated with grief into a delightful sweet enjoyed during celebrations.

Today, Ghari sales in Surat have reached crores of rupees and can sell out in just a couple of days. Once a food reserved for mourning, it has now become a VIP delicacy during the Chandani Padva festival, fetching prices higher than other sweets. It’s common to see people waiting in line for hours to purchase this beloved treat.