Vermicelli makers gear up to sweeten Eid

For the people of Multan, vermicelli is traditionally an Eidul Fitr sweet dish item.

Like other cities of the province, the sweet dish made from vermicelli, colloquially known as Seviyan, has been arranged in the houses in Multan on the occasion of Eidul Fitr holidays.

Seviyan is part of the city’s Eidul Fitr cuisine and forms an important part of the culture of the city, similar to other areas of Punjab.

Among these variants, both thin and thick vermicelli are especially popular. However, some of the oldest ways to make vermicelli are still practiced in Multan. Nasreen Bibi, a vermicelli maker in Multan, prepares special Seviyan on the occasion of ‘Meethi Eid’ in Band Bosan, in the outskirts of Multan city.

In addition to raising animals at home, Nasreen also makes children's clothes, shoes and homemade Balewali seviyan for Eid. Reportedly, she makes 10 kilogrammes (kg) of Seviyan a day after completing her domestic work as well as caring for animals all day long.

Nasreen sells the vermicelli at a local shop in her village for Rs120 per kg while the shopkeepers at the city’s markets sells it for up to Rs 200 per kg.

Balewali Seviyan, which were first made by hand, is now being made by installing electric machine, as per the last production standards.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nasreen said, “If the government assists rural women in making vermicelli, we can earn a better living at home. The living conditions for us will also improve over time if we get the help we need.”

Read Demand on the rise: Vermicelli sale picks up as Eid draws near

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2021.