Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: A special Diwali sweet made from Pishori pistachios is available for Rs 24,000 per kilogram in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The Pishori pistas are imported from Pakistan and are named after the place where they’re grown. Besides the Pishori pistas, the sweet also has kesar (saffron) and is adorned with gold vark.
It is reportedly the city’s most expensive sweet and is sold at select sweet shops in New Market. Dharmendra Dang, a sweet shop owner, explained that Pishori pistachios are greener, more flavourful and highly nutritious compared to other pistachios.
Pishori pistachio sweet
To make the sweet healthier for those mindful of their diet, Stevia — a plant-derived sweetener from South America — is used to prepare the sweet. Ayurvedic texts suggest that gold and silver, consumed in small quantities, also provide health benefits, Dharmendra added.
Diwali special sweets
Another unique feature of the dish is its packaging, which showcases Gond art by Padma Shri awardees Durga Bai Vyam and Venkat Raman Singh Shyam. The aim of the initiative is to promote the tribal art of Madhya Pradesh.
The Arq Besan Laddoo is another indulgent option. Unlike traditional besan laddoos, it contains a crunchy layer of French Valrhona chocolate that melts in the mouth. Edible gold embellishes this treat, which is priced between Rs 21,000 and Rs 31,000 per kilogram. It’s available at Artwork, an Arq workshop in Delhi.
‘The Exotica’ is a gourmet dessert that promises ultimate luxury. Crafted by Chappan Bhog in Lucknow, this mithai is made with premium ingredients sourced from South Africa, Australia, Europe and the USA. This lavish dessert costs a staggering Rs 50,000 per kilogram.