Lucknow, March 20 -- With the onset of Chaitra Navratri, the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has put the preparation of traditional fasting delicacies at various restaurants in the state capital at stake. Restaurant owners said that slow-burning furnaces have forced them to cut down their "fasting thali" menu by half.

Some establishments are resorting to diesel furnaces, while others are trying to manage with induction cooktops. However, in terms of purity and taste, businesses have suffered a decline of 30-50%, said the restaurant owners.

Some major establishments have also decided not to serve fasting thalis this year.

At Radhelal Parampara, Shankar Gupta said that their fasting snacks are usually prepared in workshops. "Due to ...