As Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations swept across India, food delivery data offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation's appetite. What did we order for fasting and feasting? Here's a look at the trends that defined the festive palate.
The Sweet Reign of Rasgulla
When it came
to satisfying the festive sweet tooth, one dessert clearly ruled them all. Between October 17 and 20, Rasgulla was crowned India's favourite sweet, with food aggregator Swiggy clocking an astonishing average of 495 orders every hour. This surge was part of a larger trend that saw orders for traditional sweets jump by 36.4% compared to the same festive period last year. While the syrupy spheres were a national sensation, the highest demand came from Delhi, Mumbai, and Gurugram. Following closely behind in popularity were other classic favourites like Gulab Jamun, Kaju Katli, Jalebi, and Rasmalai, proving that traditional tastes remain deeply ingrained in our celebrations.
Sabudana Leads the Fasting Feast
For the millions observing Navratri fasts, Sabudana was the undisputed star ingredient. During the peak festive weekend of October 17-18, an average of 1,794 Sabudana-based dishes were delivered every hour across the country. Sabudana Khichdi and Sabudana Vada were the two most-ordered items in this category, becoming the go-to comfort food for those observing vrat. Major metros like Mumbai and Bengaluru led the charge in ordering Sabudana Khichdi, but significant demand was also seen in cities like Pune and Jaipur, showcasing the dish's widespread appeal. Beyond Sabudana, the fasting menu was diverse, with other popular choices including preparations made from Kuttu (buckwheat flour), Singhara (water chestnut flour), and Rajgira (amaranth).
The Rise of the Vrat Thali
For those seeking a complete, hassle-free fasting meal, the Vrat Thali was the perfect solution. These curated platters saw substantial adoption, particularly in Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Noida. The 'Navratri Special Vrat Thali with Singhara Poori' was a top contender, offering a convenient and traditional meal experience without the kitchen prep. The trend towards ordering entire meals was highlighted by one particularly hungry customer in Noida, who placed a single order for 13 Navratri special thalis, amounting to a bill of ₹11,072. This reflects a growing reliance on delivery platforms to cater to festive needs, whether for a single person or an entire family.
Beyond the Metros and a Touch of Fusion
The festive ordering frenzy wasn't confined to India's biggest cities. Significant demand for sweets was also recorded in emerging markets like Patna, Dehradun, Jodhpur, and Thiruvananthapuram. Even smaller towns such as Agartala, Shillong, and Palwal showed a strong appetite for festive treats, demonstrating how digital convenience has permeated celebrations across the country. While tradition reigned, there was also room for novelty. One of the highest-value sweet orders came from a Mumbai customer who spent ₹9,870 on an assortment that included 'Coffee Rasgulla Tiramisu', hinting at a playful fusion of classic Indian sweets with global flavours. This order was the highest-value one recorded for rasgullas during the festive period.
