In Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, the arrival of monsoon transforms Devkinandan Chowk into a busy marketplace for kamal gatta, the lotus seed also known locally as kopra. Buyers turn up in large numbers every day for this seasonal fruit, prized for its taste and nutrition, and diabetic patients in particular are showing a strong liking for it.
From the ponds of Nandghat to the streets of Bilaspur
Vijaylakshmi Thakur, an elderly woman who has been selling kamal gatta at Devkinandan Chowk for several years, says the produce is sourced from Nandghat in Bemetara district and the ponds nearby. Customers keep coming back for the soft grains and distinct taste of fresh kamal gatta. Along with local residents, buyers from outside the city also prefer picking it up, pushing up demand sharply through the rainy season.
Priced at Rs 80 to Rs 100 a dozen, and good earnings
At Devkinandan Chowk, kamal gatta is currently selling for Rs 80 to Rs 100 a dozen. Thakur says a steady stream of customers reaches her stall every day, which brings her a decent income from this seasonal trade. For her, the monsoon months turn out to be the busiest and most profitable stretch of the year.
Why sugar patients are drawn to it
According to the seller, several customers buy kamal gatta specifically for sugar patients. It is claimed to contain a low amount of sugar and is considered beneficial for health. That said, anyone dealing with a health condition would do well to consult a doctor before adding it to their diet.
