KATHMANDU: The demand for and production of jhinia roti, a traditional food item, have surged in Beni, Myagdi, as the Tihar festival approaches. Often called jhilinga, the snack is made from rice flour and is a staple for hospitality and celebrations during the festival.
Taksara Rana, a resident of Beni Municipality-7, has been producing jhinia for 25 years. She noted that demand comes from local areas, Pokhara, and even overseas. Two years ago, she received an order worth Rs 25,000 from Australia, though she was only able to supply Rs 13,000 worth of product due to production constraints.
Hem Bahadur Pun of Mangalghat said his family of 10 is currently working daily to process one sack of rice flour for jhinia production. He estimates sales reach between Rs 200,000 and Rs 300,000 during the festive season. Kalpana Shrestha, another producer in Mangalghat, has hired a worker to keep up with the demand. She stated that her sales reach between Rs 300,000 and Rs 400,000 during this period, with products distributed across Myagdi, Parbat, Baglung, and Pokhara.
The production process involves using an electric machine to extrude the rice flour dough, followed by two days of sun-drying. The finished product is typically fried in ghee or oil. A packet containing 12 pieces of jhinia is sold for between Rs 140 and Rs 150. There are currently 15 jhinia entrepreneurs in Mangalghat, all of whom are reported to be fully occupied with production.
