Beyond Akhadas And Leather Chappal: How Kolhapur Celebrates Independence Day With Jalebi

In the heart of South Maharashtra lies Kolhapur, a city famous for its artistic handcrafted chappals, wrestling Akhadas, and passionate football fans. But there’s another tradition that makes this city special, one that has been sweetening celebrations for over five decades. 

Every Independence Day and Republic Day as the tricolour flags flutter in the breeze and patriotic songs fill the air, the aroma of something delicious wafts through the streets. It’s not just any sweet, but jalebi, which has become as much a part of these national celebrations as the flag hoisting itself. 

A Tradition Born out of Love  

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Dipak Mangale, a resident of Sadar Bazar in Kolhapur, says, “As far as I have witnessed, this tradition has been followed for more than five decades. Some say its origin dates back to 1947, which has been continued to date.” 

“In Kolhapur, Independence Day and Republic Day are incomplete without eating jalebi. What started as a way to celebrate freedom has now become a cherished ritual that brings entire communities together,” he added. 

On Independence Day and Republic Day, sweet shops across Kolhapur install stalls in front of their stores. “Kolhapur is known for its passionate people and unique traditions, and this tradition is one of them. One would see jalebi stalls across the city, stores are decorated, patriotic songs are played outside the stores, even people from different business backgrounds have such stalls,” said Vinayak Gavali, owner of Gadhinglaj-based Sharda Bakers.

“The demand is so high that on Independence Day alone, our jalebi sale is over 500 kg, that too at a taluka place. Imagine what the consumption of the whole district would be,” added Gavali.

Besides regular sugar-soaked jalebi, there are special types of jalebis made during these occasions. “Normal jalebi can be found everywhere round the year, but on Independence day and Republic Day, we have special options like Honey Rose Jalebi, Rajbhog Jalebi, Butterscotch Jalebi, Mava Jalebi, Rabdi Jalebi and Sugar-free Jalebi as well for health-conscious people,” says Gavali.

For Vaibhavi Patil, a school student from Kolhapur, these national holidays hold double joy. “We are very happy on Independence Day and Republic Day, not only because of the day’s significance and the grand celebration, but also because we get free jalebi at the end!”

Children eagerly wait for the flag hoisting ceremony to end, knowing that warm, crispy jalebis await them. What makes this tradition so special isn't just the consumption of sweets but the way it brings people together.

Moreover, though Kolhapur has been popularly known for this tradition, it has also been spread in some pockets of Satara, Sangli, Karad and Ratnagiri. In Ratnagiri, they even have their own special version called ‘Dollar Jalebi.’