Khowa prices surge to Rs 300 amid festive rush in Hyderabad

Khowa prices in Hyderabad have surged to Rs 300 per kg amid festive demand, with traders expecting further hikes. Supplies from Maharashtra continue to sustain the Old City’s traditional khowa trade, which has thrived for generations through family-run shops and bulk orders from sweet shops and caterers.

Hyderabad: The festive season has brought a familiar rush to Hyderabad’s khowa markets, but shoppers are paying more this year. In the retail markets, khowa is now priced at about Rs. 300 a kg and traders expect another Rs. 10 to Rs. 25 rise in the coming days.

Khowa, also known as khoya or mawa, is made by slowly boiling milk in an open pan until it thickens. “The demand has increased considerably with the festive season. We are already seeing prices touch Rs. 300 a kg in retail, and there could be a further rise if supplies do not keep pace with demand,” said trader Anil Yadav.

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But behind the rising price is a trade that has quietly survived for generations.

As night falls, vehicles carrying freshly prepared khowa arrive in the Old City. Many consignments come from Solapur and other parts of Maharashtra, where families in villages continue to prepare khowa at home before selling it to larger traders. The product is then packed and transported to Hyderabad in jeeps and other vehicles.

Khowa has been part of the old city’s sweet trade for generations. “During festivals and marriages, demand increases sharply and we receive advance orders from sweet shops and caterers,” said Mohammed Afzal, a khowa trader.

Four to five tonnes of khowa arrive at the market on a normal day, with volumes rising during festivals. Sweet shops, hotels and caterers place bulk orders, while households buy smaller quantities for traditional sweets.

The old khowa market behind Suraj Bhan Hospital at Shahalibanda and the newer market on Hari Bowli Road together have close to 100 shops, many operating for decades.

“Several shops are still run by the second and third generations of traders. The business has changed with time, but demand for good-quality khowa remains strong,” said Shivalal, a khowa trader.

Initially, there were six shops at the old market, run by A Raghunandan, Kishtia, Anjaiah, Parmeya, Aagmaiah and Gulab Singh. Their sons and grandsons now manage the trade.

The market is popularly known as Chandulal Bela, associated with Maharaja Chandu Lal Malhotra, Prime Minister during the reign of the third Nizam, Sikandar Jah.