Fluctuating weather takes chill out of desi drinks

VARANASI: The unpredictable weather conditions and delay in peak summer season have also hit the sale of desi drinks like coconut water, panna (drink made from unripened mangoes) and 'bael' juice in the region.
Huge crowds used to flock to prominent markets and crossings in the city like Lanka, Gurudham, Sigra, Gadaulia, Maidagin and Cantonment to have a sip of these desi drinks to beat the hot weather conditions.
However, these days, all these places wear a deserted look.
Reports from Paharia mandi, the biggest market of fruits and vegetables in the region, suggest that even the supply of coconut from different states in the country is yet to gain momentum.
Mandi sources said that the city is witnessing a supply of only five truck loads of coconuts per day as the demand for coconut water (relished as a drink) is yet to gather momentum.
The mandi was witnessing a supply of nearly a dozen trucks loaded with coconuts from West Bengal, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh during this period last year.
"It has been a dull season as far as the sale of coconut water is concerned," said Ramjeevan, a vendor selling coconut drink on a trolley near Gurudham crossing in the city. The nutritious water relished as a drink in sultry conditions is yet to attract demand, he added.
Similarly, other desi drinks like panna (made from blanched unripened mangoes with pudina, salt and spices added as ingredients) and bael juice are also not finding enough takers these days.
The crossing near BHU's main gate in Lanka area used to be abuzz with people including university students and staff throughout the day but the picture is not so encouraging this year, said Ashok Maurya who sells panna and bael juice on a trolley at the crossing.
"If the weather continues like this, I would have no other option but to pack up the trolley and start other business," he added.