Punjab: Enjoy Amritsari Dates in Winters Before Lohri

Punjab: Amritsari dates have cultivated a heritage over centuries. They shouldn’t be confused with the similarly named date, a popular Gulf fruit, also known as ‘khajoor’ in Punjabi. These dates are known as Amritsari dates, perhaps because they’re readily available in local markets, especially during the winter season. Interestingly, dates are considered unremarkable among colorful sweets. Brown in color and made from common ingredients like maida (white flour), powdered sugar, and ghee, they’re a popular sweet among people of all ages. Their popularity stems from their crunch, which comes after hours of deep-frying. City resident Gurbhej Singh, now in his fifties, said the sweet is deeply etched in his childhood memories because his parents would buy a piece for each of them when taking the family to the Golden Temple in winter. The crunch and the authentic taste of deep-fried dates in pure ghee are what make them so authentic. “Whenever I eat dates,” says travel writer Rameshinder Singh Sandhu, “I’m reminded of the Scottish shortbread biscuits I ate there a few months ago. For me, dates are the Amritsar version of that.” Dates are both a snack and a dessert, providing instant flavor and energy. Manohar Lal, a popular date maker, said his family has been making this sweet for decades. Made in vegetable oil, they sell it for 400 rupees per kilo, while those made in pure ghee fetch between 600 and 650 rupees. People eagerly await their taste during the winter season and Lohri. Dates are an essential part of Lohri celebrations. Garnished with peanuts, rice, and other spices like rewadi (small balls of sesame seeds and jaggery), they are also offered to the fire lit on the night of the festival. Since according to the old tradition of celebrating Lohri, only the boy born in the family has to celebrate this occasion, hence his family gives gifts to the family where his daughter is getting married.