The Story behind Gujiya

When it comes to Indian sweets, Gujiya holds a special place in people’s hearts. The sheer wrapping of joyous flavors in a nutshell gives this little gift of wonder its uniqueness. Its presence is felt in almost all the pivotal and pious Indian occasions. Embodying the sweetness of life, a single bite of this dessert will relish sparks of happiness in your mouth.

But what is the story behind its origin? How did it come to gain its popularity? How has it become synonymous with major Indian festivals such as Holi? We take a look into the enriching history of this sweet in this space as we help you get acquainted with its beauty.

The Origin of Gujiya

To get to know the story of Gujiyas, we have to trace its history, which will take us to ancient India, where it first originated. You might be surprised to know that this sweet began its journey by being more than just a confectionary delight. It was viewed as a culinary artistry. 

Ancient Sanskrit texts have hinted at a similar recipe of Gujiya, known as ‘Karanika’ which is prepared with dry fruits and sweetened with honey. This has been widely hailed as the ancestor of Gujiya. Notably, Gujiyas were presented as religious offerings as well as during royal feasts. 

The sculptures of the Mauryan era, which existed from approximately 322 BC to 185 BC depict Gujiyas. They have been even mentioned in the 13th century when they were primarily consumed after being dried under the sun.

Many historians opine that Baklava, a layered dessert pastry that originated in Turkey influenced Gujiyas. This is primarily due to the similarity between the two, wherein both are a sweet form of pastry that is covered with flour and stuffed with exotic dry fruits. While the dough of a Baklava is fluffier, the outer covering and inner stuffing in both of them are pretty similar.

Mentions of Gujiyas have been even found during the Mughal era during the 16th-18th century when it took its shape as we know of today. It is believed that it was during this period that Gujiyas were refined into a fine delicacy where the use of Khoya in the preparation of Gujiya was initiated. This is also where it elevated its status from just another sweet to a sign of joy and prosperity. 

Although Gujiyas are famous all around the Indian subcontinent, their popularity is at the zenith in the Bundelkhand region, consisting of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The Tradition of Eating Gujiya on Holi

You can’t imagine Holi without the quintessential addition of Gujiyas. Greeting your loved ones with this beautiful confectionary is part and parcel of this colorful festival. In Hindu mythology, Gujiyas have found their places due to their connections to Lord Krishna wherein it is believed that they were one of his favorite desserts.

This is why Gujiyas are offered as Prasad to Lord Krishna. This is most notably seen in Vrindavan, wherein the Radha Raman temple, was constructed in 1542 AD as an ode to the love story of Radha and Krishna. Since Holi is a celebration of the divine and eternal love of the two, Gujiyas has become a pivotal aspect of commemorating the festival.   

Apart from Holi, Gujiyas are also extremely popular during Diwali, the festival of lights. Gifting confectionary is a prime custom in Diwali and Gujiyas are a staple among the desserts.  It can’t be denied that Gujiyas have truly cemented themselves as a bona fide symbol of some of the most celebrated festivals in Indian culture and have expanded their wings worldwide due to their immense popularity.

Dubai, being one of the more diverse cities in the world has a huge chunk of the Indian population and to make this delicacy available here, we serve top-notch Gujiyas replicating the authenticity of the traditional Gujiyas in our Indian restaurant in Dubai. They are popular not only with the Indian people but people of all origins due to their extraordinary appeal.

The Diverse World of Gujiyas

The diverse world of Gujiyas will allow you to see how much it is celebrated all across the nation. Despite being mostly popular in Northern India, it exists in various forms in the other regions of the country, where it is known as Pedakiya in Bihar, Karanji in Maharashtra, Karjikayi in Karnataka, Somas in Tamil Nadu, and Ghughra in Gujarat.

Even within Gujiyas, there is a wide variety that we love to celebrate and offer in our veg restaurant in Dubai. From assorted Gujiyas to Kesar Gujiya, from Laung Latta Gujiya to Samosa Gujiya, and the immensely popular Chandrakala, you will never run out of variations from our eclectic range of Gujiyas.

Furthermore, our Holi Hamper provides you with everything you need to celebrate this beautiful festival of color. A perfect gift to give your loved one, this hamper comes with assorted Gujiyas, Potli Almond, Potli Chashew, Namak para, and Pudina Mathi. To jive with the festivities, we have also included a water gun along with colors so that you have everything in your hand to celebrate the auspicious day of Holi.

To Conclude

Gujiyas are more than just sweet; they are a feeling that is painted with the emotions of joy and celebration. Their legacy is enriched by their inclusion in the major festivals of the Hindu culture, including the festival of colors – Holi. Besides, they are the perfect confectionary additions for gifting your loved ones.

Come and immerse yourself in the heavenly taste of Gujiyas from our various Indian restaurants in Dubai spread across numerous branches in JLT, Karama, Silicon Oasis, Al Arjan, and Deira. Elevate the happiness of special moments with the sweetness of this little delight whose flavors will linger on in your taste buds for days.