Bihar is hardly short of sweets, yet the Murki sweet of Turkauliya in East Champaran stands in a class of its own. Just the mention of it sets mouths watering, and anyone who tastes it once finds themselves drawn back to it. Thanks to its distinctive flavour and the special way it is made, it is recognised today across the whole of Bihar.
Where You Can Find It
One of the most striking things about Murki is that it is not sold everywhere. Its real home is mainly Turkauliya Chowk. This is the spot where the sweet earned its name and where people travel to enjoy its taste.
A Story That Goes Back to the British Era
The history of this sweet is tied directly to the days of the British. Murki was first made by the late Gopal Chaudhary. His son Umesh Patel, also known to locals as Bhual, recounts that British officers were so fond of it that they would often have it sent to the Turkauliya Kothi. In other words, its popularity is not new at all, but stretches back more than a hundred years.
An Idea Born From Khurma
According to Umesh Patel, the idea for Murki actually came from the Khurma sweet. It is also called chhena ka khurma, the only difference being that it is larger in size than the khurma. The biggest distinction, however, lies in how it is prepared. It is made only in sugar syrup, with no oil of any kind used in the process. That is precisely why its taste sets it apart from other sweets.
Price and Rising Demand
Today the Murki sweet costs around 500 rupees per kilo. Even with the higher price, demand has not slipped. It is no longer limited to Bihar alone, but is sent to other parts of the country and even abroad. Those who taste it once are sure to return to buy it again.
Recognition That Reached Nitish Kumar's Event
The reach of this sweet's fame can be gauged from the fact that former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had a special Murki stall set up at an event held in Rajgir. Umesh Patel shares this with evident pride. It is for this reason that this Champaran sweet has carved out its own identity and remains hugely popular among people.
