‘A ritual for many': this is what drives over a thousand customers to Hindavi Swarajya every day during Shravan

Indian Express

5 days ago

In the winding lanes of Gaothan Khau Galli near Deccan Corner, where one can hear the clatter of plates through the monsoon drizzle, one humble snack reigns supreme: a golden, ghee-fried sabudana wada that has Punekars lining up, rain or shine.
The story behind Hindavi Swarajya's wada is as rich as the snack itself. What began as a family-run juice and bhel outlet has now become a fasting-day essential for hundreds of local residents and others.
'I started this outlet in 2011 on J M Road,' recalls Kiran Shevale, the owner of Hindavi Swarajya's Sabudana Wada outlet. 'But in 2014, I moved it to Gaothan Khau Galli, and it has since been a dream run. My uncle originally started 'Hindavi Swarajya Food Centre' with fruit juices. I later added a bhel outlet, but soon I realised that no one was selling upwas food in the area. That is when the sabudana wada's journey began.'
These aren't your average wadas. Each piece weighs a generous 100-125 grams, fried in pure ghee, and costs Rs 70 for a plate of two with unlimited dahi-kakdi chutney, a creamy, cooling accompaniment that regulars can't get enough of. 'People always tell us that it's not just a wada, it's an experience,' Kiran says with a laugh. 'Even on regular days, we serve around 200-300 people, but on fasting days like Mahashivratri, Ekadashi, or during Shravan, we serve over 1,000 customers. We even bring in staff from our other outlets just to handle the rush.'
For many, a visit to Hindavi Swarajya is part of their weekly routine. 'I don't even fast regularly, but I still come here every Saturday for their sabudana wada,' says Amar Shikalgar, a student at Fergusson College nearby. 'It's for that crispy outer layer and the softness inside. Nothing else compares to it.'
Vivek Deshmukh, a local businessman, agrees. 'The wada is pure nostalgia for me. I have been coming here for years. I have tried wadas elsewhere, but no one does it like Hindavi Swarajya. The chutney is what seals the deal.'
The outlet's loyal following is the result of a simple formula: quality, consistency, and word of mouth. Though they have never invested in fancy advertising, the buzz has travelled far, thanks in part to Pune's enthusiastic food influencers and social media reviewers. It has always been about mouth publicity by customers.
'Rain sometimes plays spoilsport,' Kiran admits. 'But Punekars are die-hard fans. They parcel it or order from Zomato. They don't skip their wada. It has become a ritual for many.'
True to its name, Hindavi Swarajya, which echoes the spirit of local pride and self-reliance, has created more than a successful business. It has carved a place in Pune's culinary soul, one ghee-drenched wada at a time.
As another upwas day approaches and the aroma of sizzling sabudana wada fills the lane, it is clear: at Hindavi Swarajya, every plate serves a promise of tradition, taste, and togetherness.
Divyaja Kalyankar is an intern with The Indian Express