Churri, a centuries old traditional delicacy, still enjoys penchant of Peshawarities.

PESHAWAR -- Churri, a sweet food composite made up of coarsely ground corn flour bread mixed with raisin, coconut, fennel seeds, cardamom, and peanuts, is a centuries-old traditional delicacy of Peshawar and still enjoys liking of the city dwellers.

The tradition of preparing and serving the sweet Churri is strictly confined to the `Safar' -- the second month of the lunar Islamic calendar -- and will disappear for a year after the end of this month.

'As the month of Safar starts, elderly women in Peshawar city make arrangements for preparation of Churri which is distributed among poor, neighbors and relatives as well,' explains Muhammad Zia-ud-Din, a local researcher who works for Ghandhara Hindko Board, a literary, cultural and social welfare organization.

The city dwellers are also seem complaining with their neighbours and relatives over ignoring them in distribution of the Churri during the season, he remarked.

The tradition also have a religious background and is linked to the practice of serving of sweet grinded bread by Hazarat Fatima (RA) as thanks giving over the recovery of her ailing father, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Zia-ud-Din told reporter . Churri preparation and serving in Peshawar is done in imitation of Hazarat Fatima (RA)'s act, Zia reiterated.

The concept gave birth to this tradition in the past and the city dwellers are continuing the practice despite of the fact that many old traditions have withered away in present age of modernity.

He said there was also a concept among people that Safar was spiritually dangerous for humans and doling out of donations in shape of Churri distribution would save them from all harms, Zia added.

Giving details about the recipe of Churri, an elderly woman from Peshawar informed reporter that special corn flour dough were prepared and then filled with 'desi ghee'. Some people add sugar for...

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