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New Delhi: The Monsoon sky is mostly wrapped in gloomy, dark clouds. But Indian festivals like Teej and Raksha Bandhan turn the rainy season vibrant with jubilant celebrations. And what makes these festive moments even sweeter is people’s indulgence in sweets, particularly in ghewar – the dessert from the desert. These festive bites not just satisfy our sweet tooth but also bring a sense of strong emotion, carry forward tradition and bind people together. Paneer ghewar rules the hearts among so many forms.
Paneer ghewar, a speciality of Rajasthan, blends tradition with indulgence. Its crispy golden edges, honeycomb-like texture, and a soft paneer-rich centre offer the perfect treat for the humid, joyous monsoon days. Originating in royal kitchens and perfected in local halwai shops, this dessert continues to be a favourite, mainly during July and August.
Paneer ghewar is not just a monsoon dessert – it’s a legacy that has stood the test of time and taste. This dessert is mostly linked to North Indian festivals when people keep it on kitchen shelves and serve on the festive platters with pride. The elaborate preparation style is what adds to its taste. Here’s why it continues to be the season’s most celebrated sweet.
1. Royal origin
Rajasthan’s royal kitchens are credited with the origin of ghewar. To cheer up royal people during the gloomy monsoon, chefs working in the courts of kings crafted this sweet, using smart techniques to work with the humidity and limited ingredients. This elite indulgence gradually became a part of local traditions across the desert state.
2. Why it’s monsoon sweet
So many sweets can’t bear the humid conditions. But ghewar is the perfect seasonal sweet. It thrives as the preparation technique relies on monsoon’s natural humidity to create the airy texture. After scorching summer, ghewar’s light, syrup-soaked body brings a cooling relief.
3. Batter’s science and art combo
Prepared with desi ghee, refined flour, and icy water, the batter is poured from a height into hot ghee, creating its signature lace-like appearance. The high moisture in the monsoon air helps create the perfect texture – a crisp outer shell with delicate, sponge-like holes inside.
4. Soul of Teej festivity
The celebration of Teej in Rajasthan and surrounding states are incomplete without ghewar. Teej is a festival that honours the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva and the arrival of the rains. Parents send ghewar to their married daughters as part of the ‘sindhara’ gift, blessing them with sweetness in life and prosperity.
5. Perfect Raksha Bandhan gift for siblings
Paneer ghewar’s golden rich taste and colour make it a perfect symbol of love and festivity. This is the reason, it finds its way into Raksha Bandhan thalis. Sisters often gift their brothers this sweet, turning it into an edible symbol of the sacred sibling love and bond.
6. Paneer ghewar’s upgrade
Paneer ghewar isn’t like the regular sugar-syrup-soaked version. Rather it features a melt-in-mouth texture and a topping of soft, creamy paneer, balancing the sweetness. It is particularly popular in Jaipur’s famous mithai shops. Moreover, it has become the go-to choice for those looking for something festive yet indulgent.
7. A modern dessert with traditional soul
Malai, rabri, mawa, dry fruit toppings to chocolate twists, ghewar has evolved with different eras. Yet paneer ghewar continues to rule the heart. Shopkeepers merge traditional styles with contemporary taste buds, particularly during peak time like July and August.
Paneer ghewar is more than a dessert. It expresses everything the monsoon season stands for – warmth, nostalgia, festivity, and love.
