The tradition of getting Sheermal from Rajpora in Pulwama on special occasions like Eid has not faded among people in the Valley.
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As per the news agency—KNO, Sheermal is a furrow surfaced, flat and circular bread with sesame seeds. The bread, which is usually taken with Kashmir namkeen tea or Sheer Chai, has become an integral part of various social customs and traditions in Kashmir. The bread comes in two varieties-sweet and salty. The sweet Sheermal is taken with Khewa and salty Sheermal is taken with noon-chai.
Ahmadullah Sofi, a bread-maker in Rajpora town, has been working extra hours for the last few days to prepare orders for Sheermal ahead of Eid.
Like him, more than 2 dozen bakers in Rajpora are preparing Sheermal.
Ahmadullah recalls that only those who could afford the bread would consume it in the past. But now, almost all can afford to buy the special variety from the village.
Nadeem Ahmad, a baker, said that their variety of Sheermal is high in demand because they have not compromised with quality.
He said that Kashmiris living outside get Sheermal from them in bulk.
He said that on Eid and other festive occasions, hundreds of customers from far off places visit the area to purchase.
He said that each baker sells around 4000-5000 kgs of Sheermal on every Eid and people associated with bread making have been earning their livelihood quite well.
Sameer Ahmad, a customer from Anantnag said that they purchase Sheermal and gift some to their relatives as well.
He added that Sheermals are being made in other parts as well but they are not as crunchy and tasty as Rajpora Sheermal.
