By IANS
Ranchi : Rising wholesale prices of sesame seeds and jaggery (unrefined sugar) have increased prices of the mouth watering snack tilkut ahead of the Makarsankranti festival.
Tilkut is famous in northern and eastern India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Tilkut – cookies of sesame seeds and batter of jaggery or melted sugar – is closely associated with the Makarsankranti festival.
Sesame seeds are also offered in prayers and donated to priests. “There is a belief that black sesame seeds help devotees get rid of all kinds of problems,” said Omkar Mishra, a priest.
There are two kinds of tilkut, made of either black or white sesame seeds, along with unrefined sugar.
The prices of both varieties have risen this season. The wholesale rate of white sesame seed is Rs.68 per kg this year, up from Rs.45 per kg last year. The price of black sesame seeds is Rs.80 per kg, up from Rs.55 last year.
This year tilkuts made of white sesame seeds are selling between Rs.80 and Rs.130 per kg. Last year the price varied between Rs.60 and Rs.100 per kg.
The prices of tilkuts made of black sesame seeds are ruling between Rs.90 and Rs.140 per kg. It was Rs.70-120 a kg last year.
“The preparation cost of tilkut has increased between Rs.25 and Rs.40 per kg. The profit margins have reduced,” said Surendra Baitha, who makes tilkuts near Albert Ekka roundabout in Ranchi.
Echoing his view, Banwari Lal, another tilkut-maker, said: “We engage at least three to four people in preparing tilkut. The rising prices of sesame seeds and other things is making difficult for us. The price of tilkut should vary between Rs.150 and Rs.200 per kg.”
The rising prices are also making an impact on tilkut lovers.
“Every year we purchased to 10 kg to 15 kg in January. This year, the prices of tilkut have increased more than 20-30 percent. To enjoy the taste of tilkut we have to spend more and make compromises on other dishes,” said Vinay Kumar, who loves eating tilkuts.