How the last few Seviyah makers of Hyderabad are keeping the craft alive
During the holy month of Ramadan, families toil for weeks to create vermicelli (seviyah) in the narrow alleyways of Chaderghat, Dabeerpura, Yakutpura, Golconda, and Langer Houz. Although purchasing branded seviyah from supermarkets is another alternative, the traditional vermicelli manufacturers are the ones who have carried on their skill and add personal touches to the event.
Sheerkhorma is a delicious delicacy made with milk, dates, and dried fruits that is created with seviyah. It is specifically offered on Eid in Muslim homes. It is almost as if there is no Eid without Sheerkhorma, to be exact.
Sheerkhorma is a delicious delicacy made with milk, dates, and dried fruits that is created with seviyah. It is specifically offered on Eid in Muslim homes. It is almost as if there is no Eid without Sheerkhorma, to be exact.
There are two types of Seviyah: handcrafted and machine manufactured. If not for the few families that continue to practice it, the latter would be extinct now. In actuality, some fulfill this desire because of client demand. Despite the development of machinery, hyderabad maintains its age-old custom that has been passed down through the centuries.
Actually, the families start preparing the vermicelli four months before Ramadan, which is when the effort to produce Seviyah starts. The handcrafted version tastes better than anything produced by a machine, which is what sets it apart. "The handcrafted version has a far greater flavor. Mohd Kareem, who has been producing Seviyah for more than 20 years, stated, "We have been making it by hand for years."
Actually, the families start preparing the vermicelli four months before Ramadan, which is when the effort to produce Seviyah starts. The handcrafted version tastes better than anything produced by a machine, which is what sets it apart. "The handcrafted version has a far greater flavor. Mohd Kareem, who has been producing Seviyah for more than 20 years, stated, "We have been making it by hand for years."
A handcrafted roll of Seviyah costs between Rs 150 and Rs 200, whereas a machine-made roll might cost between Rs 50 and Rs 60 on the market. Some families still choose the handmade one despite its increased cost.
The 55-year-old, third-generation Seviyah maker Fareesa Begum stated that the work is not simple. Pulling the maida and stretching it out to finer strands takes a lot of muscle. It needs a great deal of persistence, time, and effort. It is art in and of itself," she remarked.
The 55-year-old, third-generation Seviyah maker Fareesa Begum stated that the work is not simple. Pulling the maida and stretching it out to finer strands takes a lot of muscle. It needs a great deal of persistence, time, and effort. It is art in and of itself," she remarked.