In the heartland of India, where culture intertwines with cuisine, one can find a treasure trove of culinary delights. Among these, the sweets of Kuru (Jharkhand) stand out for their rich taste and unique preparations. And within this vibrant culinary landscape, Lohra mithai (sweets) hold a special place, offering an array of mouthwatering delicacies that have delighted generations.

While I was posted at Jharkhand zonal office, I used to travel sometimes to Lohardaga, Latehar, Palamau, and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand from Ranchi and a small town named Kuru (कूड़ु), around 60 km from Ranchi, used to be my regular stop. There is a T-junction at Kuru. The road goes straight to the bauxite city of Lohardaga, while the right one heads towards Betla, Latehar, and Daltonganj. A few sweet shops are selling famous syrupy chhana toast and dhushka.

The making of chhana is mentioned in the Manasollasa, an early 12th-century Sanskrit text. It recommends the addition of some sour substance (even sour curds from a previous operation) to boiled milk, after which the precipitate is separated. The title Manasollasa (मानसोल्लास) is a compound Sanskrit word, consisting of manas (मनस्) or “mind” and ullasa (उल्लास) or “rejoicing, delighting”.

The chhana (cottage cheese) sweetmeat has various other monikers like lohra mithai and the bizarre-sounding atom bomb! Yes, it’s also called an atom bomb because of its larger-than-usual size.  Since the sweet also closely resembles a lohra – the traditional stone implement used for grinding things like spices and green seasoning (herbs) on a sil (the flatter stone or base) – the name’s quite apt.

While returning from the trips, I used to stop for atom bombs to eat as well as pack them for home. The sweet is so popular that whenever people from other parts of Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh come to Kuru, they go back carrying packets of atom bombs.

Over time, the sweet travelled to other districts evolved into various avatars and acquired various names. But even today, Kuru prepares it in the same fashion as it was made 50-60 years ago, minus all innovations. And diehard patrons of this sweet like me swear by the halwais or sweet makers of Kuru, who have ensured it tastes the same.

For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to Lohra Mithai is nothing short of a culinary pilgrimage. It’s not just about indulging in delicious treats but also about experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of Jharkhand through its flavours and traditions. Whether you’re a local looking to satisfy a craving or a traveller eager to explore authentic Indian sweets, Lohra Mithai welcomes you with open arms and a tempting array of delights. So, the next time you find yourself in the charming state of Jharkhand, be sure to pay a visit to Kuru for Lohra mithai and treat yourself to a taste of pure bliss.