Bittersweet? LPG crisis hits Banarasi kimami sewai, supplies down to 50%

Varanasi: Amid the raging war of US, Israel and Iran, Mumbai-based exporters are shipping hefty consignments of Banarasi kimami sewai to Gulf countries for Eid. Amid LPG shortage, however, production of deep-fried treats like ‘doodh-sewai' and ‘pheni' is affected as supplies have dropped 50% in domestic markets.

"Orders for Banarasi kimami sewai remained steady from Maharashtra and Delhi exporters, though in past five days, production of soot-pheni, deep-fried in ghee, has dipped by 50% due to shortage of LPG," said Sachchelal Agrahari, president, Varanasi Sewai Grihudyog Vyavasayik Sangh.




Over 3,000 members of around 500 families prepare Banarasi sewai in 70 cottage industries, mainly in Bhadau Chungi and Rajghat areas. For generations, Hindu artisans in this area have been whipping out sewai for Eid . The premium kimami sewai, both raw and fried varieties, is sought for Eid celebrations, while ghee-fried ‘soot-pheni' remains preferred choice for ‘Sehri' throughout Ramzan.

Bhadau Chungi producers gear up for festival frenzy – be it Holi, Rakshabandhan, Teej, or Eid. "We prepare for months before Ramzan for Eid rush," they said, adding they prepare around two tonnes of Banarasi sewai daily. Bhadau Chungi, where handcrafted sewai once ruled, now relies on modern machines to meet demand. Locals sell to exporters in Maharashtra, Delhi, and other big cities, who ship it to Gulf markets.

Retailers also flock to the city from West Bengal, MP, Delhi, and Bihar for Banarasi sewai. But with Ramzan's peak buying days nearing, LPG shortage has got everyone worried, said Agrahari.