Republic Day 2021: Devour sweets from these Indian sweet shops existing from before the first Republic Day!

This Republic Day 2021, India will celebrate its 72nd Republic Day on January 26. Hence, make your "kuch meetha ho Jaye" moment with these ancient Indian sweet shops. They are still operating!

We all know that Republic day is celebrated on January 26th every year. Every year, on this day, we take pride in our Constitution that came into effect in 1950. But do you know about a common thread that binds the whole of India when it comes to celebrating any special occasion? It's the eating and distribution of sweets! So, on this Republic Day 2021, we have penned down those Indian sweet shops that are existing from before this auspicious day.

Dotivala Bakers and Confectioners, Surat

Did you know that the founder of this shop was also the inventor of Nankhatai and Surti Batasa? Faramji Pestonji Dotivala had established this shop in the 1700s. Popular for serving one of the best Parsi baked goodies, this shop is connected with the Dutch reign in India. During the 1700s, Dutch had established a warehouse and had employed five Parsi men. However, when they were leaving India, they handed the responsibility to Faramji Pestonji Dotivala. And till now, the shop has maintained the same taste. The sixth generation of the family is now running the shop.

Where: Althan Road, Bhatar Char Rasta, New City Light, Althan, Surat

Timings: 9 am to 9:30 pm

Price: Rs 390 for 500 gm (Nankhatai), Rs 410 for 500 gm (Batasa)

Bhagat Halwai, Agra

How can the trip to Agra ever be completed without tasting the best sweets from the city? This Republic Day 2021, you must know of this place existing from the 18th century. Bhagat Halwai is operating in Agra since 1795. Lekh Raj Bhagat, the founder of the shop had started this shop with selling Barfi, Rabri, Jalebi, and Puri Sabzi. And the place is still winning hearts with its special Doda Barfi. The people here prepare this barfi with cracked wheat fried in ghee, thickened milk, coconut powder, and dry fruits.

Where: 62/1, West Shivaji Nagar, pashuram Nagar, Shahganj, Agra

Timings: 8:15 am to 11 pm

Price: Rs 525 for 1 kg (Dodha Barfi)

Joshi Budhakaka Mahim Halwawala, Mumbai

Can you believe that Mahim Halwawala is existing since 1800! Jetha Joshi had established this shop. He used to sell Boondhi Laddoos, and, of course, Halwa. This place also has historical importance as when India had become independent, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru had ordered sweet from this shop. At that time, this shop was 164 years old. Presently, their eighth generation is running this shop. However, they have not changed the style of making Halwa. They have just added 200 types of sweets! People also love snacks like Samosa, Vadas, Ganthias, and Farsan here.

Where: 6 West,, Mahim Koliwada, Mahim West, Mahim, Mumbai

Timings: 8 pm to 9 pm

Price: Rs 400 to Rs 1,200 per kg (halwa)

Kanwarju Dalbjiwala, Delhi

Kanwarju Dalbjiwala lies in the heart of Delhi - Chandani Chowk. It was established in the year 1850 by Lala Kanwar Sen. This shop is popular for Dal Biji- that people enjoy with chai. The dish is prepared with crispy gram flour noodles and muskmelon seeds. The makers use pure desi ghee to prepare it. No other shop can match the taste of Dal Biji that you get at this place. Also, Soan Halwa Kaju is a must-have dish that you should not forget to eat here. This Republic Day 2021, take out some time for this heaven!

Where: 1972-73, main road, near parathey wali gali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Timings: 8:30 am to 9 pm

Price: Rs 380 to 500 per gram (dal biji)

Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Jaipur

What to say about the pink city! Rich in heritage and culture, this city also serves delicious delicacies. The best example is Rawat Mishthan. This shop was established in the year 1856. It is a much popular place where you get tri-colored Mava and ghee based sweets. Apart from this, Ghevar is the most popular dish people order here. The taste of these delicious sweets attracts people the most. Rawat Mishthan Bhandar is also known for Alu Piyzaz Kachori. They also give the best Mava Kachori that is stuffed with sweetened mava.

Where: Station Rd, in front of Polo Victory Hotel, Sindhi Camp, Jaipur

Timings: 6 am to 10:30 pm

Price: Average of Rs 600 to 700 for 1 kg (Ghewar)

Lal Joga Sah, Almora

Being so close to nature, Lal Joga Sah in Uttarakhand state is one of the oldest shops in the town. The shop was opened in the year 1865. This shop was also the inventor of Singori and Bal Mithai in Almora. Singori is a sweet prepared of Khoya and wrapped in Maalu leaf. Presently, the fifth generation is operating this shop. You can pack singori from here as it remains fresh for seven days. However, the makers here advise people to not keep the sweet in the fridge. So, the next time you are going to have fun in the hills, don't forget to taste their cuisine!

Where: Lala bazar, Lala Bazar Road, Nanda Devi Marg, Almora

Timings: 7 am to 9 pm

Price: Rs 200 to 300 for 500 gm (Singori)

K C Das, Kolkata

How can someone forget Kolkata when talking about sweets! KC Das is much popular in the city for Rosogolla. Nobin Chandra Das had established the sweet shop in the year 1868. However, it was a tiny establishment then. He spent months experimenting, after which he invented Rosogolla, as per claims by his great-great-grandson. Whatever the fact may be, this shop has continued to serve one of the best rosogollas. It is also popular for Rasho Malai and Kesar Raj Bhog.

Where: 11 A&B, Central Ave, Esplanade, Kolkata

Timings: 9 am to 9:30 pm

Price: Rs 15-20 per piece (rosogolla) 

Punjabi Ghasitaram Halwai, Mumbai

Do you know of just two Anarkarli- one, a character from the film and the second, suit? If yes, then this place will introduce you to the third one. 'Dry Fruit Anarkali' is their specialty along with Ice Halwa. This is one of the oldest sweet shops in Mumbai and was established in the year 1916. Ghasitaram Bajaj was the founder of this place who passed on the legacy to his next generation. And now, Punjabi Ghasitaram Halwai has twelve outlets in Mumbai.

Where: 126, J P Road, 1 and 2, Narsinh Niwas, opp. Canara Bank, Fish Market Area, Navneeth Colony, Andheri West, Mumbai

Timings: 9 am to 10:30 pm

Price: Rs 339 for 250 gm (Ice Halwa)

Delhi Mistan Bhandaar, Shillong

Delhi Mishthan Bhandaar was established in the year 1930. Since then, the place in Shillong is serving sweet delicacies to the locals. This sweet shop is very popular for Jalebis and Gulab Jamuns. Do you know that it has also won the Limca Book of Records for making the biggest Jalebi? The Jalebi was 75 inches in diameter and weighed 15 kg. Around six cooks and 14 helpers had made this world's biggest Jalebi possible.

Where: Police Bazar, Shillong

Timings: 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Price: Rs 30 to 35 (jalebis)

Also Read: Brush up your knowledge with lesser-known facts about the Constitution of India

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