As the Kumbh Mela returns to Prayagraj in 2025, the city will once again become a vibrant hub of spirituality, culture, and celebration. While visitors flock to the sacred ghats for a spiritual experience, the city's streets also offer a feast for the senses—especially when it comes to its delicious winter snacks. Whether you're looking to warm up after a dip in the holy Ganga or simply want to indulge in local flavours, Prayagraj's winter delicacies are a must-try. As you immerse yourself in the Kumbh festivities, make sure to sample some of these local delights to fully experience the essence of Prayagraj this season.
These tiny disc-like candies made with white sesame seeds, jaggery, and pure ghee is a winter favourite in India's northern parts. Usually had after a meal, revdi is a speciality in Prayagraj. On a languid winter afternoon, if you happen to be stretching out under the sun, you will definitely spot your neighbours munching on fistfuls of revdi after a heavy lunch.
Head over to the old town area of Chowk and Katra, where you will find wholesale vendors selling good quality revdi. Alternatively, it is also easy to make at home.
A speciality of Prayagraj, these guavas are green on the outside, but after slicing through the centre, you will see the interior is pinkish-red. A slice of this guava resembles a grapefruit. Also known as apple guavas, this red tropical fruit is native to the area between southern Mexico and the tropics of South America. They were brought to India in the mid-1800s by the Portuguese.
You only need to step out of your house come winter, and there are vendors lining the streets selling this peculiar sweet-smelling fruit. Choose the good ones and bargain as much as you can for a fair price.
Til laddu, or little black sesame seeds truffle, is the quintessential winter delicacy and superfood you will find in most houses in north India during winter. Easy to make with a shelf life of over a month when stored in air-tight containers and not refrigerated, these laddus are little delights that keep you warm.
From wholesale vendors at the old town area of Chowk and Katra.
Another winter delicacy, Gajak or til patti, is similar to granola bars and made of molasses, peanuts and almonds. Lohri, the harvest festival of January, brings the tradition of consuming puffed rice, jaggery, and chana during the season. Gajak is made using all of these ingredients but, more simply, with molasses and peanuts. The primary benefit that gajak provides is warmth during the harsh winters of the north.
Beni Prasad and Sons, Civil Lines and Old town market
Juicy, lemon yellow with streaks of saffron, angoori petha is the light sweet snack that is perfect for serving unannounced guests. Made with pumpkins in the petha galli of Prayagraj, these bite-sized sweets are like healthy candy.
Although petha is found in other cities besides Prayagraj, the famed Petha Galli in Prayagraj has some of the best quality sweets.
