In the very heart of India, where culture intertwines seamlessly with cuisine, lies a treasure trove of culinary gems. Among them, the sweets of Kuru, a small town in Jharkhand, hold a special charm. Rich in taste, steeped in tradition, and unique in their preparation, these delicacies have delighted generations. And at the center of this sweet legacy is the much-loved Lohra Mithai—affectionately (and quite dramatically) called the Atom Bomb.

My tryst with this delight began during my days at the Jharkhand zonal office. Whenever duty took me to Lohardaga, Latehar, Palamau, or Garhwa, the road from Ranchi would inevitably bring me to Kuru (कूड़ु)—a modest town about 60 km away. At its bustling T-junction, one road stretches straight to the bauxite city of Lohardaga, while the other winds its way to Betla, Latehar, Chatra, and Daltonganj. And right there, tucked along this junction, stand a handful of sweet shops—guardians of Kuru’s culinary pride.

The Birth of Chhana Sweets

The story of chhana (cottage cheese) dates back centuries. The 12th-century Sanskrit text Manasollasa describes the art of curdling boiled milk with a sour agent and separating the precipitate—a process that laid the foundation for the sweets we relish today. The very name Manasollasa means “delighting the mind,” and chhana sweets have lived up to that legacy ever since.

Why Atom Bomb?

Kuru’s iconic sweet is unlike any other. Larger than most confections, it earned the nickname Atom Bomb for its sheer size. Locals also call it Lohra Mithai, since its round, hefty form resembles a lohra—the traditional grinding stone paired with a sil (flat base) used in kitchens for spices and herbs. The name, quirky as it sounds, fits perfectly.

During my journeys, I rarely missed the chance to stop for these atom bombs—sometimes devouring them on the spot, other times packing a box to carry home. Their popularity is unmatched: travellers from across Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh make it a point to pick up packets of this sweet before leaving Kuru.

Tradition Untouched

While the atom bomb has travelled beyond Kuru and inspired many local variations, the halwais (sweet makers) of this small town have remained faithful to their craft. For over half a century, they’ve prepared it just the way their forefathers did—eschewing fads and innovations. It’s this authenticity that makes loyal patrons like me return, knowing the taste will never disappoint.

A Sweet Pilgrimage

For anyone with a sweet tooth, tasting Lohra Mithai in Kuru is nothing short of a pilgrimage. It’s more than food—it’s a journey through Jharkhand’s living traditions, its flavors carrying whispers of history and heritage.

So, the next time you find yourself in the vibrant land of Jharkhand, make a detour to Kuru. Bite into an atom bomb, and you’ll know why this humble sweet from a small town has left such a big mark on the hearts of those who taste it.