Locals say the tangy drink offers both refreshment and a nostalgic link to Eid-time family traditions
ISLAMABAD:
As temperatures continue to climb across the federal capital and Eid preparations quietly gather pace in households, traditional desi beverages are once again becoming a preferred choice for relief from the relentless summer heat.
The Imli-Aloo Bukhara sharbat, made from tamarind and dried plums blended with sugar, black salt, mint and chilled water, is witnessing renewed demand at street stalls and juice counters across Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi.
Imran, a vendor who has been selling the drink for over a decade, says sales rise sharply during peak summer days as customers look for natural refreshment options rather than carbonated beverages and packaged juices.
University student Hiba says the drink reminds her of childhood summers when homemade sharbats were prepared in households, adding that its taste also brings back memories linked to Eid gatherings and family celebrations.
Health experts encourage consumption of natural summer beverages, noting that fruit and herb-based drinks help maintain hydration, support digestion and reduce heat-related fatigue during intense heatwaves across densely populated urban areas.
Shopkeepers note that demand for traditional sharbats increases significantly during summer months, particularly as Eid approaches, with Imli-Aloo Bukhara sharbat remaining popular alongside Rooh Afza, sattu and lemonade in local markets.
Social media users and younger consumers are also rediscovering traditional beverages, sharing posts and recommendations as Eid gatherings approach, with many saying natural drinks offer both cultural continuity and healthier alternatives during extreme heat.
Street vendors report increased footfall during evening hours as temperatures ease slightly, with families purchasing chilled sharbat for home consumption, particularly in the days leading up to Eid festivities across the twin cities.
Many residents describe Imli-Aloo Bukhara sharbat as more than just a summer drink, calling it part of cultural food heritage that continues to survive despite modern soft drink dominance in urban lifestyles.
With rising temperatures and Eid preparations converging in the capital, the familiar taste of Imli-Aloo Bukhara sharbat continues to offer residents both physical relief from the heat and a nostalgic reminder of shared seasonal traditions across generations.
Vendors say prices remain largely stable despite rising demand, with most selling affordable glasses of sharbat to families and workers seeking quick relief from midday heat in busy commercial areas across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
As Eid draws closer and summer heat persists, residents increasingly associate traditional drinks with family gatherings, shared meals and spiritual festivity, reinforcing the enduring place of Imli-Aloo Bukhara sharbat in seasonal culture.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
