By Sakshi Arora
As Muharram is finally here, you can find a delightful aroma through the streets of Hyderabad, which also signals the return of a culinary tradition- Dum Ke Roat. From being more than just a cookie to a wholesome delight which makes every Muharram complete, this delight is prepared without the usage of eggs and the practice of consuming roat is deeply ingrained into the history. The annual appearance of the dish creates a buzz in the culinary world, and the demand for dum ke roat increases on Youm-e-Ashoora, which stands as a testament to its historical significance and appeal. Also Read: Do You Know These 6 Dishes Loved By Hyderabadi Nizams Still Rule The City? History of Dum ke roatWhile there are many bakeries that offer dum ke roat all year round, this traditional delight is specifically prepared during Muharram. This beloved dish is prepared with the goodness of wheat flour, semolina, vegetable oil, sugar, honey, salt, ghee, and cardamom primarily, ensuring it is purely vegetarian. Legends have it that dum ke roat dates back to the Nizam era and Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam, once offered the cookie at the Nala-e-Mubarak Alam near Charminar. This was a prayer for the safety and good health of his grandson, Mukarram Jah Bahadur. This practice still continues today with many people breaking the Roat on the Alam and distributing it for the safety of their loved ones. During Muharram, Shia devotees often offer food, water and roat as charity. From home to bakeriesIt is believed that traditionally, families used to prepare the dough for dum ke roat at home and then take it to the local bakeries, which were baked in their traditional ovens. However, with the changing lifestyles, this practice has largely faded over time. Recognising this extreme shift, bakers started preparing the dough and selling the popular cookie to meet the public demand. Baking dum ke roat requires balance and precision, and the meticulous process is what gives the roat a distinctive brownish colour and satisfying crunch. Some of the prominent bakeries in Hyderabad are Subhan Bakery, Pista House Bakery and Rose Bakers, where you can savour authentic dum ke roat. Demand of dum ke roatThe demand for dum ke roat usually increases on the tenth Muharram or youm-e-ashoora, which coincides with the Bibi-ka-Alam procession. Beyond its delightful taste and rich texture, the delicacy carries a deep meaning. It is believed that the dish originated as a tribute to the warriors who had endured hunger and thirst during wartime. The delicacy is designed to be carried for days, and the dish also symbolises a connection to historical sacrifices. As Hyderabad is recognised as a creative city of gastronomy by UNESCO, the city celebrates the return of Dum ke Roat each Muharram. If you get the opportunity to try this delight during Muharram, this will be a great experience for you.