Rampur: As soon as the winter season knocks, a different atmosphere is created in the streets and markets of Rampur. As the cold increases, the fragrance of a special sweet made of desi ghee, milk and dry fruits starts spreading throughout the city. This fragrance is of the famous Habshi Halwa of Rampur. This is not a common halwa, but a traditional sweet, which was prepared especially for winters during the Nawabi era. Even today, its demand automatically increases during the cold season and people eat it with great enthusiasm.
Rampur’s Habshi Halwa was not made just for taste, but the larger purpose of health was hidden behind it. During the Nawabi era, food was seen like medicine. At that time it was believed that if the body gets proper and nutritious food, then many diseases automatically go away. Especially in winter, when cold has more impact on the body, then such dishes were chosen which would keep the body warm from inside and give strength. Habshi Halwa was also the result of this thinking.
The history of Habshi Halwa is linked to the Nawabi era.
The history of Habshi Halwa is linked to the Nawabi period. It is said that during the time of Nawab Hamid Ali Khan, a Hakim from Africa was called to Rampur. The Nawab had asked Hakim to prepare such a dish which would give strength to the body in winter, protect it from cold and maintain energy for a long time. After this, Hakim prepared a special halwa by mixing herbs, milk, desi ghee and different types of dry fruits. When the Nawab tasted this halwa, he was extremely impressed by both its taste and effect. Since then this halwa came to be called Habshi halwa.
There was a special way of eating halwa
During the Nawabi period, Habshi Halwa was not eaten like any other sweet. The time and method of eating it was also decided. In winter, it was served either in the morning for breakfast or after dinner. It was believed that this provides warmth to the body from within, removes weakness and reduces the effect of cold. This was the reason why this halwa became an important part of the Nawabs’ daily routine in winter.
Taste reached common people from the kitchen of Nawabs
Habshi Halwa, which was once limited to the kitchens of Nawabs, is now within the reach of common people. Its shops are found in almost every area of Rampur. Tourists coming from outside also consider it to be the special identity of Rampur and do not go back without tasting it. This unique confluence of taste, health and history makes Habshi Halwa the most special sweet of winter even today.
