From Akhada to Kitchen: Pailwan’s Thandai Fuels Pune’s Holi

In Pune, Holi celebrations are incomplete without thandai, the cooling festive drink that marks the seasonal shift from winter to summer. This year, Netaji Jadhav, fondly known as “Pailwan,” is scaling up production at his Hinjewadi-based Pailwan Thandai House to meet surging demand.  

Key Highlights

• Production Scale: Nearly 1,000 litres of thandai planned for Holi 2026.  
• Advance Orders: Over 400 litres already booked by local societies and events.  
• Signature Flavors: Classic badam (almond) and rose, priced at ₹40 per glass or ₹200 per litre.  
• Origins: Jadhav started the shop during the COVID-19 lockdown, blending tradition with innovation.  
• Community Support: Friends from his wrestling akhada help during peak festive demand.  
• Beyond Holi: Thandai has become a year-round favorite, doubling as a natural energy drink.  

This unique blend of tradition, entrepreneurship, and community spirit makes Pailwan’s thandai a festive staple and a cultural highlight in Pune’s Holi celebrations.  

Sources: The Indian Express, ABP News, NewsBytes