Belagavi: Even as there is a prevailing perception that the annual legislature sessions held in Belagavi have not delivered the expected gains for North Karnataka in terms of development, the recently concluded session provided a major boost to the city’s traditional sweets industry, with sweet marts reporting brisk sales.During the 10-day session, mainly the region’s signature kunda and kardant were sold, generating an estimated turnover of around Rs 2.3 crore. Ministers, legislators, govt officials, and employees from across the state, along with political leaders and activists who took part in various protests, purchased large quantities of these local delicacies.Traders said sales surged towards the end of the session, with an average of about 6 quintals of sweets sold per day during the final three days—described as unprecedented. Overall sales this year were markedly higher than those recorded during the previous 4 to 5 winter sessions.On normal days, each of Belagavi’s sweet shops in market areas sells an average of 180 to 200 kg of Kunda and Kardant daily. During the session, however, daily sales jumped to 400–500 kg, according to shop owners.Kunda, a milk-based sweet synonymous with Belagavi, is known for its distinctive taste. Kardant, made from dry fruits and edible gum, is traditionally considered a speciality of Gokak town. Over the years, both sweets have come to symbolise the cultural and culinary identity of Belagavi district.While the broader impact of the legislature session continues to be debated, traders agree that it proved a windfall for the local sweets industry, highlighting the enduring appeal of Belagavi’s traditional flavours.
