From Kolkata biryani and kathi rolls to fish cutlets and mishti doi, Delhi’s little Bengal, CR Park, turns into a food lover’s paradise during Durga Puja. As Delhiites flock to the neighbourhood to soak in the festive spirit, vendors see sales soar and food prices climb, with some items costing significantly more than usual. The markets are filled with breadcrumbed chops, kadhais of fried mughlai parathas and extra puchka stalls to accommodate the rush.
Ghughni (L), the festive favourite snack saw a price hike, and baked roshogolla (R ) a pujo favourite in high demand is priced between 150 to 350 rupees
‘Prices increase 15-20% overall’Prashant, who works at a restaurant in Market 2, shares, “Our sales during pujo increase almost 3-4 times; Kolkata biryani and fried items are the most popular. There is roughly a 15-20% price increase overall. Because of the large crowd, we stay open till 3 am.” The markets boast delicacies like mughlai paratha, spicy puchkas, tangy jhalmuri and the fish cutlet. The famous Dadu Cutlet Shop of Market 2 has expanded its operations from a small stall to a spread outside with vegetarian chop, fish chop and chicken chop on display.The market is seeing prices increase significantly, often more than double the usual price. While local vendors have raised kathi roll prices by around ₹20, popular eateries that usually sell rolls starting at ₹130 are now charging ₹200-300. Vendors also reported a sharp rise in production during pujo, with the daily chicken requirement for rolls increasing from 1-2 kg to 10 kg, while a 40-kg vessel of biryani sells out in a day.
Mishti doi, one of the most popular sweets, it remains in demand during pujo
Sweets remain in demandBengali sweets are not just a pujo favourite but have to be a year-round favourite for all. From sondesh and roshogolla to mishti doi and lyangcha, the stalls there have it all. “These days the rush is the most we see all year. We usually close around midnight, but because people are still in the market, we serve till 2-3 am. The price increases roughly `5 per dessert,” says Sanjay Das, a sweet shop owner in Market 1.
Kathi rolls, a year-round favourite that gets a pujo rush; some rolls now cost 200–300 rupees, up from 130, Jhalmuri and puchka also saw price hikes
‘Spending extra becomes part of the celebration’Husain Aanis Khan, assistant professor, who goes to the area every year, says, “I particularly enjoy the biryani, fish cutlet with kasundi (mustard sauce) and mishti doi. Honestly, the prices don’t matter as much when I see everyone enjoying the vibe of the place. Spending a little extra on food becomes part of the celebration. Especially during a festival, I don’t really think about it. In fact, I don’t think most people do.”
