Most Bengalureans look forward to the annual avarekai or avare bele mela this time of the year, hosted by the 35-year-old store Shree Vasavi Condiments in VV Puram. On display here is Paddu, a special dish made out of Avarekai.
Takeways at the store range from avarekai chikki, halwa, sohan papdi, dry-fruit slabs, nippattu and the deep fried fiery mixtures — with pudina, garlic, or black pepper, and avalakki.
An assortment of sweets on display at the mela.
Avarekai special dosa is being prepared at the mela.
Uppittu made from avarekai on display at the mela.
Avarekai halwa was a huge hit at the mela.
The bean took on many avatars - including Chinese, finding its way in noodles and manchuri, as well as chaat.
An assortment of sweets on display at the mela.
An assortment of sweets on display at the mela.
The mela is on at VV. Puram till January 15.