In Surat, Navratri celebrations are taking on a delicious twist, with snacks becoming an essential part of garba nights. For many garba enthusiasts, the break between dance sessions is now an opportunity to enjoy popular snacks such as dabeli, puffs, samosas, batata poha, bread pakoda, bread rolls, sev khaman, idli-sambar and panipuri.Food arrangements have also become a part of community garba celebrations in residential societies.
Collective snack orders help bring residents together while creating business opportunities for small caterers and people who prepare food at home.With rising living costs putting pressure on household budgets, some people are taking up catering during festivals to earn additional income alongside their regular jobs. Umang Varia, who works in the construction sector and takes up catering during festivals, said managing family expenses on a single income can be challenging.
His passion for cooking and the support of his family have encouraged him to take up snack orders during Navratri. While continuing his regular work during the day, he and his family prepare snacks in the evening.Demand is rising for items such as vada pav, dabeli, batata poha, samosas and ragda samosas. Caterers are also receiving orders for sabudana khichdi to cater to those observing fasts during the festival.
The trend reflects Surat’s long-standing love for food. From sev khaman and locho in the morning to fafda-jalebi on Sundays, the city’s food culture is closely linked to its social life. This enthusiasm is now finding its way into Navratri celebrations, with snack breaks becoming as enjoyable as the garba itself.
Although traditional attire and raas-garba remain the main attractions of Navratri, food is adding another layer of excitement to the festivities. In residential societies, shared snack arrangements give members a chance to meet, interact and celebrate together.For Surtis, Navratri is increasingly becoming more than a festival of devotion and dance.
The combination of garba, popular snacks and community gatherings is adding a distinct flavour to the celebrations while providing temporary employment and extra earnings for local caterers