8 months ago
Pune's Winter Hurda Tradition Draws Foodies
Every winter, people in Pune and nearby areas visit farms to enjoy a special food called hurda.
Hurda is made from young jowar grains that are roasted in mud pits, giving it a unique taste.
People love to eat hurda with jaggery, chutneys, or other spicy sides.
It's not just about the food; it's also about spending time with family and friends, away from the busy city life.
Hurda is also very healthy, with lots of good nutrients.
Many farms now welcome visitors to experience this traditional winter treat, making it a popular agro-tourism activity.
Hurda is a winter delicacy made from roasted young jowar grains, harvested when they are soft, light green, and slightly sweet.
Hurda parties have become a popular agro-tourism experience in Pune, with visitors heading to farms in places like Saswad, Mulshi, Wagholi, and Khed Shivapur.
The tradition of eating hurda is deeply tied to rural life and offers a sense of togetherness, connecting people with their farming roots.
Hurda is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, rich in energy, fiber, vitamin B, antioxidants, and minerals, and is naturally gluten-free.
Farms have adapted to the growing interest in hurda, welcoming large crowds, especially during weekends, with some serving up to 900 people in a day.
- Who
- Families, friends, and visitors from Pune and nearby regions
- What
- Hurda parties and agro-tourism experiences
- Where
- Farms in and around Pune, such as Saswad, Mulshi, Wagholi, and Khed Shivapur
- When
- Winter season, from November to February
- Why
- To experience the traditional winter delicacy, connect with farming roots, and enjoy a rural escape
Key facts
- Hurda
- A winter delicacy made from roasted young jowar grains
- Season
- November to February
- Popular Locations
- Saswad, Mulshi, Wagholi, Khed Shivapur
- Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in energy, fiber, vitamin B, antioxidants, and minerals; gluten-free
- Ayurvedic Benefits
- Helps reduce cough, balances pitta and vata, anti-inflammatory
- Popular Pairings
- Jaggery, spicy chutneys, zunka, thecha
- Visitor Count
- Up to 900 people per day at peak times
Quotes
Shrutika Kaslikar
Classical singer and teacher
“It is a break from unhealthy fast food and city stress. I would happily eat hurda every day in winter.”
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“Going is a must.”
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Rohit Loya
Food photographer
“Because it is associated with rural life, it does not get enough representation.”
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“I did not try to glamorise it. I just showed its real taste and tradition.”
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Nishad Bhanage
Engineering student
“It makes you feel connected to your farming roots, even when you are settled in the city.”
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Dr Sayli Padave
Ayurvedic medical practitioner
“It is truly a perfect winter food.”
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Ajit Dhamdhere
Owner of Aroha Srushti Farms
“Today alone we have served 900 people.”
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