080. Bikaneri Bhujia

Bikaneri bhujia, often simply called bhujia, is a crispy snack originating from Bikaner, Rajasthan in India. Bikaneri Bhujia has the distinctive and naturally occurring organoleptic characteristics of taste, mouth feel and aroma which have won the patronage and recognition of consumers all over the world. 

Bikaneri Bhujia is manufactured by using traditional formula. Ingredients used to produce bhujia are Moth dal, Chana dal, Oil, Salt, red chilli, black pepper, cardamom, cloves etc. It is light yellow in colour or lemon yellow.

Moth dal flour, Chana dal flour ( mixed in proportion of 80:20), oil and powdered spices (masala including chili & salt) are mixed together with required quantity of water, which is called dough. This dough is mashed on a specific equipment called Jharra (strainer). This mashing is done on the fryers which is having oil of temperature 175 C-180 C. The completion of frying is judged by the colour of Bhujia. 

The origin of Bhujia industry in Bikaner dates back to Maharaja Shri Dungar Singh rule at Bikaner state circa 1877 AD. The item was manufactured as a special variety in the name of “DUNGARSHAHI BHUJIA” especially for the guests of the king. As time passed by the industry has emerged as a main livelihood of the inhabitants of the districts.

The main raw material for manufacturing bhujia is Moth, which is grown in the arid Zone of Rajasthan. Ground water of Bikaner has its particular characteristics with high hardness and salinity, which is a great benefit to the crispness of Bhujia and adds to its taste and flavour. Thus the peculiar climatic condition of Bikaner is bliss to the quality taste and flavors of Bhujia from Bikaner.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 May 2010

GI Tag Number                         : 142

Certificate Number                  : 121

Geographical Area                  : Rajasthan

Special Cover Release Date   : 18 August 2021

Cancellation                             : Jaipur 302 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

This cover is issued with 7 other covers as a Presentation Pack titled "Special Cover & Cancellation - Geographical Indications of Rajasthan" priced at Rs. 100 per pack. Total quantity issued 2500 Nos.

Enlarged View of Illustration

Enlarged View of Cancellation

Ground Moth grown in Bikaner is depicted

Back Side Scan of Cover

India post has issued a picture post card on Bikaneri Bhujia. Details are furnished below

Picture Post Card Issued on 16 October 2021 
Rajasthan Postal Circle

Back Side depicting Cancellation at Jaipur - 302001 on 16 October 2021