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Shraddha Paksha Imarti Importance: In the Shraddha Paksha, special demand for Imarti is seen at the sweet shops of Jalore. This dessert is offered to the ancestors according to religious beliefs and if it is not available, it is considered a symbol of incomplete enjoyment. Emrati made of updar is considered to be Ayurvedicly sattvic and its round shape reflects the cycle of life-death. According to local pudding, the sale of Imrati at this time increases manifold from normal days.
As soon as Shraddha Paksha arrives in Jalore, the brightness at the shops of sweets increases. These days, the confectioner starts to make Imarti on the pan from the morning itself. The taste of Imrati and its religious significance, together make it the best selling sweets of this season. Local Pandit says that if there is no enjoyment of Imrati in the house in the Shraddha Paksha, then it seems incomplete.
Emrati is prepared with urad washed lentils. Urad dal is described as a sattvic diet in Ayurveda, which makes the body light and digestible. This is the reason that it is given special importance to the ancestors in offering indulgence. Emrati made of ghee and pure sugar is excellent in taste, but is also considered as a symbol of sattvic and pure food.
According to religious beliefs, it is considered necessary to offer Imarti to the ancestors in the Shraddha Paksha. It is believed that if this dear dessert is not offered to the ancestors for some reason, then the enjoyment remains incomplete. In such a situation, the family should offer Imarti in the name of ancestors as a measure. With this, the ancestors are pleased and bless their descendants of happiness and prosperity.
The round and curved shape of Imrati also holds special significance in itself. It is considered a symbol of the cycle of life and death. For example, this dessert is made by moving in rounds again and again. In the same way, it gives the message of continuous flow of the world and soul. Offering Imrati in the Shraddha Paksha is a symbol that we are wishing for peace and salvation in the infinite journey of the ancestors.
It has been a tradition in the families of Jalore for generations that it is mandatory to have Imrati in the Shraddha Bhoj. Imrati is given a special place at the time of pindadan or even in Brahmin food. Many families offer it to the ancestors as well as the gods, which increases the purity of food further.
In the Shraddha Paksha, the demand for imrati at the shops of Halwaiis increases manifold from normal days. Local confectionery Chandanpuri told that at this time special orders start getting and they prepare a large amount of imrati. There is a crowd of customers in the market and Emrati is definitely decorated in the house of Bhog and Prasad.
Emrati associated with reverence, faith and tradition is no longer sweet, but it has become a symbol of peace of ancestors and prosperity of the family. As an identity of Shraddha Paksha in Jalore, this dessert is bought and offered every year with new enthusiasm and faith. This is the reason that Imrati has made her special place in both righteousness and taste.
