In an era dominated by processed foods and modern eating patterns, an enterprising initiative in Sasaram is reviving traditional culinary heritage. Mantu Chandrawanshi, based in the Rohtas district of Bihar, has translated his family wisdom into an artisanal confectionery business. Operating under the banner of the Shri Narayani self-help group, his enterprise produces nutritious sweets rooted in regional traditions, simultaneously generating local employment opportunities.
Drawing inspiration from ancestral records and herbal knowledge
The origins of this venture trace back to family roots. Chandrawanshi's grandfather practiced as a Vaidya, possessing extensive expertise in therapeutic plants and classical dietary combinations. Observing these methods during his formative years, Chandrawanshi later turned to personal notes and an inherited diary to revive customary recipes that were gradually fading from regular household diets.
Before turning to rural enterprise, Chandrawanshi lived and worked in Mumbai. Personal circumstances necessitated his return to Bihar, where after an extended stay at home, he resolved to establish an independent venture. He launched the sweet-making effort with a modest capital outlay of 40,000 to 50,000 rupees. Momentum increased after his wife affiliated with the Jeevika initiative, allowing the enterprise to expand under the Shri Narayani brand umbrella.
Fifteen distinct varieties using pure jaggery and clarified butter
The Shri Narayani initiative distinguishes itself through a catalog of approximately 15 distinct preparations. Offerings include Ashwagandha laddus, turmeric and fenugreek sweets, flaxseed items, edible gum preparations, dry fruit variants, dry ginger laddus, and a revitalizing formulation labeled Bal-Buddhi Vardhak Bhog. Clarified butter and jaggery serve as the primary bases, with the founder emphasizing that no synthetic coloring agents or chemical preservatives enter the mixing pots.
In terms of pricing, a 400-gram container of edible gum sweets sells for around 300 rupees. The venture also offers a specialized formulation blending 21 distinct botanical components for 300 rupees. This multifaceted mixture includes amla, harad, baheda, carom seeds, fenugreek, and fennel. Similarly, the dry fruit sweets incorporate an assortment of nuts to balance flavor and nutrition.
Targeted blends addressing varied physical and age requirements
Formulations vary according to physiological requirements across age demographics. The Bal-Buddhi Vardhak Bhog incorporates shankhpushpi, brahmi, ashwagandha, shatavari, and safed musli. A tailored variation intended for juvenile cognitive support combines shankhpushpi, brahmi, raw turmeric, shatavari, tulsi, and ashwagandha into a single mixture.
To counteract seasonal chills, a specific dry ginger preparation is manufactured. This recipe augments dried ginger with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, pippali, and liquorice. Every selected ingredient reflects intentional culinary pairings aimed at natural comfort and seasonal wellness.
Empowering local women and navigating retail channels
Beyond producing wholesome food, the venture plays an active role in local livelihood creation. In Sasaram, around 15 to 20 local women execute the central production cycle, managing the handcrafting and packaging operations. Meanwhile, Chandrawanshi oversees regional distribution and market outreach.
While affiliation with Jeevika provided structural recognition, the lack of a dedicated retail counter prompted Chandrawanshi to adopt mobile marketing. He regularly supplies temporary markets, exhibitions, fairs, and commercial plazas. In Patna, these items are stocked at the Khadi Mall near Gate Number 7 of Gandhi Maidan. Outstation buyers can also request dispatches by courier by placing orders over phone at 6299280880.
