Banarasi kimami sewai: LPG crisis did what Middle East war couldn’t

Varanasi: Amid the raging war between the US-Israel and Iran, the allure of Banarasi kimami sewai remained untouched, with Mumbai-based exporters shipping hefty consignments to Gulf countries for Eid. However, the LPG shortage has now hit the production of deep-fried treats like ‘doodh-sewai' and ‘pheni', as supplies have dropped to 50% in domestic markets.

"Orders for Banarasi kimami sewai remained steady from Maharashtra and Delhi exporters, despite the escalating Middle East conflict – Ramzan and Eid demand held strong.... However, in the past five days, the production of ghee-cooked (deep-fried) soot-pheni, also popular as doodh sewai, has dipped by 50% due to a shortage of LPG," said Sachchelal Agrahari, president, Varanasi Sewai Grihudyog Vyavasayik Sangh.




Over 3,000 members of around 500 families prepare Banarasi sewain in 70 cottage industries, mainly in the Bhadau Chungi and Rajghat areas. For generations, Hindu artisans in this area have been whirling out sewai for Eid — a heartwarming example of Varanasi's cultural integration. The premium kimami sewain, both raw and white varieties, is sought for Eid celebrations, while the thicker, ghee-cooked ‘soot-pheni' remains a preferred choice for ‘Sehri' throughout the holy month of Ramjan.

Bhadau Chungi producers gear up for festival frenzy – be it Holi, Rakshabandhan, Teej, or Eid. "We start prepping for months before Ramzan for Eid rush," they said, adding that 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 stick to their traditional route – selling to exporters in Maharashtra, Delhi, and other big cities, who then ship to Gulf and Middle East markets. "Normal sewai is prepared in many parts of the country, but thin sewai of various sizes, including size 1, 2 and 0, is prepared only in Varanasi. It is prepared from special refined flour, where pure ghee is added to give it a special texture," said Agrahari.

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