Mangalore: Sugar Candy: Taste of Tradition, Now in Decline

  •   Tue, Apr 19 2011
  •   By Robert D'Costa

Pics by Ganesh Perla
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RD/AF)

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Mangalore, April 19, 2011

Not too long ago, `Tambdegulle', the traditional sugar candy used to be a favourite among many. Those days they were sold in the vicinity of worship centres during annual festivals, but now they are rarely found.

Over the years, people traditionally engaged in this trade have switched over to more lucrative means of labour, and the popularity of the delectable sugar candy too has declined, thanks to the advent of fast foods and ice creams.

Doraiswamy, a small-time producer of sugar candy who has been making the traditional candies over several decades at his house in Thokkottu, used to sell them during the festive season in the coastal district. Although the business was good a few decades ago, it’s been dwindling over the years, except during the festive season at St Lawrence shrine at Karkala.

He produces around 50 to 100 kilograms of sugar candy in a season with the help of his family members. Their main income is generated through other means, and sugar candy production is only a supplement.













The sugar candy that is made out of jaggery is also much in demand during festivities, however, its preparation is time consuming and the profit margin is relatively lower, says Doraiswamy. Sugar candy was a hit among children in the past, but it is in less demand now due to the lure of a wide range of fast foods, chocolates and ice creams.

It is interesting to learn the preparation of this scrumptious treat that has savoured the taste buds of generations. A portion of sugar is poured in a large vessel, and stirred in water till it dissolves. The mixture is then boiled, the desired colour is added and stirred till it becomes a paste. The content is poured over a large plastic sheet after it cools down. The sheet is rolled and the mouldable mixture is cut and shaped into squares and dried. A sprinkling of sugar makes it even more attractive. The sugar candy is all ready.

Doraiswamy's family, hailing from Tamil Nadu, have continued the tradition despite its dwindle. They supply sugar candies on festive occasions, especially during annual feasts of various parishes under the Mangalore diocese and temple celebrations across the coastal district. It is commendable that when most have chosen other lucrative trades, the Doraiswamy family still believes keeping up with tradition and treating our tastebuds with this truly delicious sweet.

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By Robert D'Costa
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Comment on this article

  • Preethi, M'lore / Doha

    Fri, Apr 22 2011

    Its my Favorite Candy. I love to search color by color to Taste it. The Hard Work of this man in preparation is rally Commendable. Its a Must Candy during Festival for me..

  • Laina, Mangalore/Bahrain

    Wed, Apr 20 2011

    My Brother was on vacation last January during the Attur feast and i insisted him to bring some packets of Sugar candy from there. He did bring, my son (11yrs) was soooo amazed to have it. He distributed among friends saying its Tambdegule...and finished the packets in no time!!!

  • Gloria, Bangalore

    Wed, Apr 20 2011

    This is a very good article and has brought back memories of my childhood where we would go to church and wait for the mass to get over and buy these candies... miss those days and wish our children could enjoy these little things.

  • Vinaya Soans, Mangalore/Bahrain

    Tue, Apr 19 2011

    Buying tamtegulle was our priority when we were in Agnes specially during Karkala festival. Sweet memories....

  • Reshma Dsouza, Dubai

    Tue, Apr 19 2011

    How we longed for Tambde Gule during the vodlem fest... Takes me back to the era of fest......... miss the air........gud article thanks


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