History of ghevar: The identity of Rajasthan is not just its forts, havelis or colored dresses, but also its sweets, which make every festival special. The most special name among them is Ghevar. It is not a simple dessert, but a symbol of tradition, taste and emotional engagement, especially at its peak on festivals such as Teej and Gangaur.

The origin of the word Ghevar is believed to be from the ‘Ghritapur’ of Sanskrit, which means – filled with ghee. This name only reveals the characteristic of its taste and texture. This dessert made of ghee, maida and sugar is crisp from outside and succulent from inside. Its forged texture looks like a bee hive, which gives it a completely different identity from other sweets.

Starts before 16th century

Ghevar’s roots have been discovered in Rajasthan before the 16th century. It is believed that this dessert was earlier prepared in sambar. The story of settling skilled pudding to Jaipur is interesting in itself. When Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727, he called the artisans who made Ghevar from Sambhar to Jaipur and settled them permanently. These artisans later became the backbone of the sweet tradition of Jaipur.

These festivals are incomplete without ghee

The ride of Gangaur is as famous, the more popularity Ghevar also has. In the culture of Jaipur, the tradition of sending sisters and daughters to Ghevar in Sinjare is still alive on the Gangaur festival. It has become a symbol of affection, blessings and tradition, not just sweets. Earlier confectioners used to make ghevar with milk, while today there is a huge demand for Rabri, Paneer and milk ghevars.

While earlier Ghevar was limited to special festivals like Teej and Gangaur, now the growing demand and tourist choice has made it available throughout the year. Today, ghevar made of vegetable ghee and desi ghee is available in different sizes and tastes in the sweet shops of Jaipur. The faded ghevar does not spoil for about a month, due to which it is now being sent to the country and abroad. Talking about the price, Ghevar made in vegetable ghee is available from 320 to 400 rupees and Ghevar made in desi ghee is available from 650 to 900 rupees.

Increasing popularity of cheese, milk and rabri ghevar

In today’s era, the nature of Ghevar has become even more diverse. Now ghevar made of milk, cheese and rabri is sold in the market, which are rich in taste and nutrition. The special thing is that this dessert is now known for adulteration and purity. The locals proudly say that “Ghevar is the dessert, which has culture and taste too.”

‘Ara mahara devra tanne kheon me ghevar’

There is an old saying in Marwari culture – “Ara Mehra Devra Tane Khele Main Ghevar…” which shows the emotional significance of this dessert. This dessert is no longer a food item, but Rajasthani has become a delicious form of pride, love and tradition.