Mangaluru: Kuswar spreads spirit of togetherness

Team Udayavani, Dec 21, 2024, 1:34 PM IST

Mangaluru: Alongside stars and Christmas trees, one element synonymous with the festive season is Kuswar—an assortment of special treats that define the essence of Christmas celebrations. Without Kuswar, Christmas feels incomplete.

Across Christian households, the preparation of these festive snacks before Christmas is a joyous tradition. Originating in the coastal region, the aroma of Kuswar has now reached across the nation and even abroad. Sharing Kuswar with people from other communities highlights the spirit of coexistence and harmony.

What is Kuswar?

Kuswar refers to a special array of snacks prepared during Christmas. It includes traditional items such as Kidio, Gulio, Nevrio, rice laddoos, and cookies, made using ingredients like rice, maida, ragi, and wheat flour. Other treats like chakuli, champakali, kalakala, gulab jamun, nippattu, carrot halwa, cakes, chips, rava laddoos, karjikai, and dry fruits are also part of this delightful spread.

These snacks are arranged together on a single platter and distributed as Kuswar, symbolizing the joy of giving and togetherness during the festive season.

Kuswar Preparation: A Celebration in Itself

The process of making Kuswar before Christmas is a festival within families. Despite busy schedules, family members make time during holidays to prepare a variety of snacks. Elders and children actively participate, turning it into a bonding activity filled with laughter and joy.

Turning to Markets for Convenience

These days, the trend of preparing Kuswar at home has slightly declined. With a wide range of Kuswar varieties available in markets, people with busy schedules prefer purchasing them. However, the tradition of preparing at least a few items at home continues in many households.

Shanthi Lobo from Urva shared, “Every year, we prepare Kuswar at home, not just for our family but also to share with neighbors. It brings immense joy and fosters love and camaraderie. Children, especially after school, eagerly take part in making Kuswar.”

A Path to Reconciliation

Christmas provides an opportunity to mend strained relationships within families and communities. Christian leaders share examples of disputes resolved and misunderstandings cleared as people exchange Kuswar with each other.

For the Christian community celebrates their festivals inclusively with people of other faiths, preparing Kuswar at home and sharing it with neighbors strengthens the bonds of friendship and mutual respect. The exchange of Kuswar in workplaces and communities also serves as a platform for spreading joy and fostering relationships.

Supporting the Needy

For families unable to prepare Kuswar, churches and various organizations step in to distribute Kuswar and other essential items. Through these efforts, even underprivileged families experience the joy of Christmas celebrations.

The spirit of Kuswar not only adds flavor to Christmas but also strengthens the bonds of unity and goodwill, making the season truly special for all.

Translated version of Kannada article by Santosh Monteiro