Holi, the unique festival of colours, is known not only for colours but also for its variety of relishing sweets offered during festival of hues. Sugar garlands is one such sweets being sold and served on Holi from time immemorial, the main attraction among children and adults alike are seen decked up in the market with colour and ‘Pichkari’ on Saturday.
“I am making and selling sugar garlands at various places these days. It is being sold in the market at `100 per kg. However, the manufacturers of sugar garlands sell them in wholesale at `40 per kg.”
Nine artisans of Ram Awathar Sharma of Raipur, who have been keeping the tradition of sugar garland manufacturing alive for years, have been making sugar garlands in these days. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, these artisans prepare garlands of about 1.5 quintal sugar per day.
Ram Awathar Sharma said, “The custom of sugar garlanding is more in Maharashtra. This tradition is also followed in Chhattisgarh and because of this reason, I have been continuing this profession. However, in comparison to earlier times, less people are interest in the making sugar garlands, but artisans in Halwai line, Tikarapara are still in this business.”
He said to make sugar garland, sugar syrup should be made first then pour it in the specially prepared vessels tied with twines. After the sugar syrup is set, the garland is taken out from the vessel.