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{{Short description|Dessert from Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand and Odisha}}{{Distinguish|Pita}}{{Infobox food
| name = Pitha
| image = Pitha for Wedding- Pakan, Patishapta, Bharandash.jpg
| caption = Three varieties of pithas- [[Nakshi Pitha|Pakon]], Patishapta pitha and Bharandash, decorated to be sent as a gift to the [[Bengali Muslim wedding|Bengali Muslim bride's]] house in [[Gaye Holud]] ceremony
| country = [[India]], [[Bangaladesh]]
| national_cuisine = [[Assamese cuisine]], [[Bengali cuisine]], [[Bhojpuri cuisine]], [[Jharkhandi cuisine]], [[Maithili cuisine]] and [[Odia cuisine]]
| course = Whole meal, snack or dessert
| main_ingredient = [[Rice flour]] or [[wheat flour]]
}}
'''Pithas''' ({{IAST|piṭhā}}) are a variety of food similar to pancakes, dumplings or fritters, originating from [[India]] and [[Bangladesh]]. Pitha can be sweet or savoury, and usually made from a dough or batter, which is then steamed, fried or griddled. Very few varieties are oven-baked or boiled, and most are unleavened and cooked on a stovetop (or equivalent). Some versions may have a filling, garnish, or sauce. Few may be set or shaped after cooking. They are typically eaten as a snack with [[tea|chai]], or as treats during special occasions (similar to [[mithai (confectionery)|mithai]]).
Pitha is especially popular in Bangladesh and the eastern [[Indian states]] of [[Bihar]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] (eastern parts), [[West Bengal]], [[Odisha]], [[Jharkhand]], the [[South India]]n state of [[Kerala]], and the [[Northeast India]]n states, especially [[Assam]]. Pithas are typically made of [[rice flour]], although there are some types of pitha made of [[wheat flour]]. Less common types of pitha are made of [[Arecaceae|palm]] or [[Amorphophallus paeoniifolius|''ol'']] (a local [[root vegetable]]).
==Preparation==
Pithas are primarily made from a [[batter (cooking)|batter]] of rice flour or wheat flour, which is shaped and optionally filled with sweet or savory ingredients. When filled, the pitha's pouch is called a ''khol'' (literally "container") and the fillings are called ''pur''.
For stuffed vegetable pithas, ingredients such as [[cauliflower]], [[cabbage]], [[radish]], or potato are usually fried, baked, or [[Steaming|steamed]], and then mashed, cooled, and formed into small balls to stuff into the pithas.
Sweet pithas typically contain sugar, [[jaggery]], [[Phoenix dactylifera|date]] juice, or [[palm syrup]], and can be filled with grated [[coconut]], fried or roasted [[sesame]] seeds, [[cashew]]s, [[pistachio]]s, sweetened vegetables, or fruits. Sweet pithas are also often flavored using [[cardamom]] or [[camphor]].
Depending on the type of pitha being prepared, pithas can be [[frying|fried]] in oil or [[ghee]], [[roasting|slow-roasted]] over a fire, steamed, or [[baking|baked]] and rolled over a hot plate.
Pithas are often eaten during breakfast, as a snack with (often with tea), and in dinner or lunch. Although there are many sweet varieties that are reserved for [[dessert]]s or holidays.
==Different pithas from each region==
Pithas vary considerably across the regions of the eastern [[Indian subcontinent]].
===In Odisha===
{{main|Odia cuisine}}
In Odisha, '''pitha''' are a group of festive preparations, usually prepared on ritual days as part of an Osa or Brata. Pithas are part of the [[Mahaprasad (Jagannath Temple)|Mahaprasada]] and are prepared every day by the Mahasuaras in the Rosasala of the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannatha Temple, Puri.]] They have been prepared in the same method for several millennia in the temple kitchen. Several pithas owe their origin to the state. Some common pithas are:<ref>{{Cite book |last=Debi |first=Prasanna Kumari |title=Odisi Randhana Kala |year=1997 |location=Odisha |language=or |script-title=or:ଓଡ଼ିଶୀ ରନ୍ଧନ କଳା |trans-title=Art of Odia Cuisine}}</ref>
* [[Enduri pitha|Enduri Pitha]] (ଏଣ୍ଡୁରି ପିଠା) : Prepared on [[Prathamastami]] with sweetened jaggery and coconut stuffing using turmeric leaves.
* [[Podo pitha|Poda Pitha]] (ପୋଡ଼ପିଠା) : Semi-burnt rice-based Pitha with coconut that is sweet to taste, offered to Jagannatha in [[Ratha Yatra|Ratha Jatra]].
* [[Kakara pitha|Kakara Pitha]] (କାକରା ପିଠା) : Prepared during most festivals, it consists of deep-fried [[Semolina|suji]] stuffed with rich coconut stuffing.
* [[Arisa pitha|Arisa Pitha]] (ଆରିସା ପିଠା) : Rice-based Pitha topped with sesame seeds, ritually prepared in the month of Margasira during [[Manabasa Gurubara]] (Lakhmi Puja). Long ago, two merchants from Odisha named Tapassu and Bhallika devised this dish and offered it to the [[The Buddha|Buddha]] himself as a token of respect from their land. Ever since - for some 2,000 years - this ancient pitha has been a delicacy forming part of Odisha’s cultural heritage.
* [[Manda pitha|Manda Pitha]] (ମଣ୍ଡା ପିଠା) : Steamed pitha stuffed with coconut and jaggery mix, prepared in most festivals including [[Manabasa Gurubara]], [[Kumar Purnima|Kumara Purnima]], etc.
* Sarsatia Pitha (ସରସତିଆ ପିଠା‌) : Crispy sweet Pitha made using Arua and resin from twigs of the Ganjer tree. Popular in Western Odisha.
* [[Chakuli pitha|Chakuli Pitha]] (ଚକୁଳି ପିଠା) : Flat rice pitha resembling pancake, one of the few non-sweet Pithas of Odisha
* Chitau Pitha (ଚିତଉ ପିଠା) : Resembling Chakuli, but with different texture and thickness. Prepared on Chitalagi Amabasya.
* [[Chandrakanti|Chandrakanti Pitha]] (ଚନ୍ଦ୍ରକାନ୍ତି ପିଠା‌‌) : Deep-fried Pitha made of green gram and rice flour. Prepared on [[Diwali|Dipabali]].
* Gaintha Pitha (ଗଇଁଠା ବା ଗଇଣ୍ଠା ପିଠା) : Rice flour dough balls soaked in thickened cardamom flavoured milk. Prepared on Bakula Amabasya.
<gallery mode="nolines" widths="250" heights="200" caption="Pithas of Odisha">
File:Turmeric leaf wrapped cake.jpg|Enduri Pitha, made on Prathamastami.
File:Khira gaintha Odia Pitha.jpg|Gaintha Pitha, made on Bakula Amabasya.
File:Kakara Peetha-Puri-Odisha-IMG 0689.jpg|Kakara Pitha.
File:Arisa Pitha.jpg|Arisa Pitha.
File:Chuda poda pitha.jpg|Poda Pitha, offered to Lord Jagannatha during Ratha Jatra.
File:Mugakanti,Chandrakanti.jpg|Chandrakanti or Mugakanti Pitha.
File:Chuda chakuli pitha.jpg|Chakuli Pitha.
File:Chitau pitha.jpg|Chitau Pitha, made on Chitalagi Amabasya.
</gallery>
===In Assam===
{{main|Assamese Jolpan}}
[[File:Til Pitha - Assamese Ricecake.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Til pitha]]
In Assam, [[Jolpan#Pitha|pitha]] is a special class of rice preparation generally made only on special occasions like [[Bihu]]. Assamese pithas are often made from [[bora saul]], a special kind of [[glutinous rice]], or xaali saul, or sun-dried rice. Some pithas commonly found in Assam include the following:
*কাঁচি পিঠা [[Jolpan#Kachi Pitha|Kachi pitha]] (lit. "Sickle pitha"): a pan baked pancake made from [[bora saul]] and filled with [[sesame]] seeds, ground [[coconut]], dried orange rind, and [[jaggery]]. The [[sickle]] is known as " Kachi" in [[Assamese language|Assamese]] and hence the name.
* ঘিলা পিঠা [[Jolpan#Ghila Pitha|Ghila pitha]] (lit. "knee pitha"): a fried pitha made from [[bora saul]] and [[jaggery]]. Salt can also be used instead of jaggery for a savory variant.
* চুঙা পিঠা [[Jolpan#Sunga Pitha|Sunga pitha]]: a special pitha made with both xaali saul and [[bora saul]], which are mixed with water and [[jaggery]] and churned thoroughly before being placed in a young [[bamboo]] tube corked with banana leaf and roasted in fire. The resulting tube-shaped cake is then cut into pieces and served with hot milk.
* টেকেলি পিঠা [[Jolpan#Tekeli Pitha|Tekeli pitha]] (lit. "earthenware pitha"): a special pitha made with both xaali saul and [[bora saul]], mixed with [[coconut]], sugar, and [[powdered milk]]. Ground [[cardamom]] and dried orange rind can also be added. The pitha is steamed in an [[earthenware]] pot or a [[kettle]] set on a [[hearth]].
*উহোৱা পিঠা Uhuwa pitha: Rice flour of Xaali Saul and [[Bora saul|Bora Saul]] is mixed with jaggery or salt and water and churned thoroughly. The paste is rolled into small balls and flattened and then boiled in water. It is served with tea and also can be eaten with [[milk]].
*কেটলি পিঠা Ketli pitha: The method of preparation, as well as the substance, is as same as tekeli pitha, but a [[kettle]] is used here instead of the earthenware. That is the reason it is called Ketli pitha (Ketli in [[Assamese language|Assamese]] means [[kettle]]). Here the kettle-cork is kept upside down on the kettle and the substance is put on it. It usually takes less time to be baked than tekeli pitha takes.
*তিল পিঠা Til pitha: This is made with sesame and rice. The rice flour is spread in a circle on a pan, basically made of cast iron and heated. The roasted [[sesame]] seeds are placed in the circle along with sugar or [[jaggery]] and rolled. These are cylindrical shaped, more like a cigar.
*তেল পিঠা [[Teler pitha|Tel pitha]] this is a pitha which is fried in oil.
*নাৰিকল দিয়া পিঠা বা নাৰিকলৰ পিঠা Narikol diya pitha
*সুতুলি পিঠা Xutuli pitha
*ধূপ পিঠা [[Bhapa pitha|Dhup pitha]], also known as [[Bhapa pitha]]
*ভাপতদিয়া পিঠা Bhapotdiya pitha
*লখিমী পিঠা Lakhimi pitha
*তৰা পিঠা Tora pitha
*মুঠিয়া পিঠা Muthiya pitha
*খোলাচাপৰি পিঠা Kholasapori pitha
*লস্কৰা Laskara
*আঙুলি পিঠা Anguli Pitha: In Assamese language, ‘anguli’ means finger while ‘pitha’ is a type of [[rice cake]]. ‘Anguli Pitha’ has got its name from the fact that the pithas are shaped like fingers.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.farmtorasoi.com/anguli-pitha/|title = Anguli Pitha from Babita's Kitchen - Assamese Sweet Dish|date = 28 August 2019|access-date = 15 March 2020|archive-date = 20 May 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220520100345/https://www.farmtorasoi.com/anguli-pitha/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
===In Bangladesh, West Bengal, Tripura===
[[File:Home-made Puli piṭha; popular in winter in Bangladesh.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Puli Pitha]]
[[File:Taal pitha.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Taal Pitha]]
[[File:Bhapa_pitha.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Bhapa pitha]]
[[File:Patisapta pitha, Kolkata.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Patisapta pitha, Kolkata, West Bengal]]
It is also called ''pithe'' ({{langx|bn|পিঠে}}; {{IAST|piṭhe}}). While some pitha can be made at any time of the year in [[Bengal]] ([[Bangladesh]] and the [[Indian state]] of [[West Bengal]]), there are special pitha strongly associated with [[harvest festival]]s such as [[Nabanna]] ({{langx|bn|নবান্ন}} ''nôbanno'', literally "new rice" or "new food") and the ''[[Poush parbon]]'' or [[Makar Sankranti]], celebrated on January 14 every year. During the autumn and winter seasons, festivals dedicated to pitha called ''pitha mela'' or ''pitha utshob'' are held locally all over [[Bangladesh]].
Some common ingredients in pitha are [[rice flour]], [[milk]], [[coconut]] and [[jaggery]]. It is often served with sweet syrups such as [[date palm|date]] tree [[molasses]] ({{langx|bn|খেজুরের গুড়}} khejurer guṛ). A few of the most common pitha found in [[Bengal]] include the following:
*তেলের পিঠা [[Handesh|Teler piṭha]] (lit. "oil pitha"), also known as [[Handesh|Guror Handesh]] or simply as [[Handesh]] is a Pitha which originates in [[Sylhet Division|Sylhet]], [[Bangladesh]].
*খোলা চিতই khola chitoi is a [[crêpe]] made with rice flour abd and eggs and originates from [[Noakhali District|Noakhali]]
*নুনের পিঠা [[Nunor Bora|Nuner pitha]] (lit. "The pitha of salt") is generally a mixture of water, [[onion]]s, [[ginger]]s, [[turmeric]] powder, salt, [[coriander]] leaves, [[chili pepper]] and [[rice flour]]; after adding the rice flour the mixture will turn into [[dough]] after which it is smashed down and cut into circles. Nuner pitha originates from [[Sylhet Division|Sylhet]].
*দুধ চিতই  Dudh Chitoi
*সিঙ্গারা
[[Shingara]] is a Bangladeshi version of a [[samosa]]. Some do consider this as pitha.
*মোহনবাঁশি Mohon bashi
*পাকন পিঠা Pakan piṭha is a small piece of special dough with the artistic symbols of generally a leaf or a flour fried and soaked with shira (sauger water with cardamom)
*পুলি পিঠা Puli piṭha: a [[dumpling]] like dish with brads in the end and stuffed with a coconut mixture or [[Kheer (Bengali sweets)|kheer]]. Fried or Steamed.
*বেনি পিঠা Beni piṭha (lit. "braid pitha")
*দুধের পিঠা Dudher piṭha (lit. "milk pitha") or ভিজা পিঠা bhija piṭha (lit. "wet pitha")
*চন্দ্র পুলি Chôndropuli
*চন্দনপাতা Chondonpata
*মাছ পিঠা Mach Pitha is fish shape [[samosa]] stuffed with fish mince
*মুগের পুলি Muger puli
*বিস্কুট পিঠা Biscuit pitha is a deep fried cookies. Generally in different shape and colors.
*দুধ পুলি Dudh puli
* [[Nakshi Pitha]] (lit. “The Pitha of artistic patterns”) is a piece of special [[dough]] sculpted into art via a [[bamboo]] stick or a small metal plate moulded into a v shape, this Pitha is a beautiful piece of art originating from the rural part of [[Bangladesh]].
*পাটিসাপটা পিঠা Paṭi shapta or Patibola পাটিবলা (thin crepes stuffed with [[jaggery]] and coconut or [[Kheer (Bengali sweets)|kheer]])
*ভাপা পিঠা/ধুপি পিঠা [[Bhapa pitha|Bhapa Pitha]]/Dhupi pitha is a steamed [[Rice cake|ricecake]]
*তালের পিঠা Taler pitha (lit. “palm pitha”) is a Pitha that can be made in many ways, it can be fried, steamed, made with batter and more but it always has to be made with [[Borassus flabellifer|Asian palmyra palm]] [[Fruit|fruits]]. Taler Pitha has many varieties and each originating from a different place in [[Bengal]] such as the batter version of Taler Pitha and Taler Bibi khan Pitha  which originates from [[Bangladesh]] and some other versions which originates from other [[West Bengal]] and neighbouring regions such as [[Tripura]], [[Assam]], [[Mizoram]], [[Nagaland]], [[Meghalaya]], [[Manipur]], [[Odisha|Orissa]], [[Jharkhand]] and [[Bihar]].
*তালের বিবি খান পিঠা Taler Bibi khan Pitha is a type of Bibi khan Pitha and a type of Taler pitha.
*তালের ভাপা পিঠা Taler Vapa Pitha (lit. “steamed palm Pitha”) is a type of Taler Pitha and [[Bhapa pitha|Bhapa piṭha]].
*গোলাপ পিঠা Golap Pitha is a rose shaped deep fried crispy pitha
*মুগ পাকন Mug pakon is a Pitha that has artistic symbols moulded on top and bottom of it and it is soft since it is soaked with shira ( [[sugar]] water with [[cardamom]] mixed with it).
*গোকুল পিঠা Gokul Pitha Is a special dough fried and then soaked with a special type of shira.
*Chui Pitha or Chutki Pitha (Traditional [[Old Dhaka]] Pitha)
*চিতই পিঠা/আস্কে পিঠা Aske Pitha/ Chitoi Pitha is a [[pancake]] like dish made with batter, to make a Chitoi Pitha you need to have a special Chitoi Pitha pan where the batter is generally dropped for he mould to form. Chitoi Pitha Is generally eaten with kacha morich [[Bhurta|bhorta]] and other spicy [[Bhurta|bhortas]].
*পাতা পিঠা Pata pitha (lit. “leaf Pitha”) is a type of [[leaf]] shaped Nokshi pitha.
*শামুক পিঠা Shamuk pitha is a snail shaped Nokshi Pitha
*মেরা পিঠা/দইল্যা পিঠা  Mera pitha/doila Pitha are steamed dumpling made with rice flour, ginger and spice such [[turmeric]], [[Jaggery]]
*লবঙ্গ লতিকা [[Lobongo lotika|Lonbongo Lotika]] (lit. “clove lotika”)
*বিবি খান পিঠা Bibi khan Pitha is a steamed Pitha That looks like a cake. Bibi khan Pitha originates in the [[Bikrampur|Bikrampur district]], [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]]
*ক্ষীর মুড়ালি Kheer murali
*জামাই পিঠা/চিপস পিঠা  Jamai pitha/Chips pitha (lit. “husband Pitha”) is a batter which is moulded into a shape of a flour, sundried and fried.  Tastes like [[Papadam|papad]] or [[Chips (hot food)|chips]]. Often different in colors.  This Pitha originates in [[Bangladesh]].
*ফুলঝুড়ি পিঠা /ফুলকুচি পিঠা Fuljhuri pitha or Fulkuchi pitha is a  [[Rosette (cookie)|rosette]] like fried dough. Always made with rice flour.
There are thousands of different pithas in every region of [[Bengal]], these are just a few examples.
===In Bhojpuri Region===
There is a tradition of preparing Pitha on the occasion of Godhan in [[Bhojpuri region]]. It is prepared with soaked and then ground rice and pulses.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pRmQ9GwY1SQC&q=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%BE+bhojpuri |title=K̲h̲udā Bak̲h̲sh Lāʼibreri jarnal |date=2007 |publisher=K̲h̲udā Bak̲h̲sh Oriyanṭal Pablik Lāʼibreri |language=en |access-date=2022-10-22 |archive-date=2023-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405124626/https://books.google.com/books?id=pRmQ9GwY1SQC&q=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%BE%20bhojpuri |url-status=live }}</ref>
Some Pithas commonly found in Bhojpuri region include:
*Goja Pitha (also known as Phara)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-16 |title=गोजा पीठा (goja pitha recipe in Hindi) रेसिपी बनाने की विधि in Hindi by Rekha Burnwal |url=https://cookpad.com/in-hi/recipes/14859193-%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%9C-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A0-goja-pitha-recipe-in-hindi |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Cookpad |language=hi |archive-date=2023-11-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124055629/https://cookpad.com/in-hi/recipes/14859193-%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%9C-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A0-goja-pitha-recipe-in-hindi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smita |date=2019-10-30 |title=Dal ke Phare / Dal Pitha |url=https://myspicetrunk.com/2019/10/30/dal-ke-phare-pitha/ |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=myspicetrunk |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904032713/https://myspicetrunk.com/2019/10/30/dal-ke-phare-pitha/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Dal Pitha]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smita |date=2019-10-30 |title=Dal ke Phare / Dal Pitha |url=https://myspicetrunk.com/2019/10/30/dal-ke-phare-pitha/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=myspicetrunk |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124060528/https://myspicetrunk.com/2019/10/30/dal-ke-phare-pitha/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Doodh Pitha
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
Image:Bangladeshi taal-pitha.jpg
Image:Pitha for Wedding- Pakan, Patishapta, Bharandash.jpg
Image:Pitha-1.jpg
Image:Pitha-2.jpg
Image:Pitha-3.jpg
Image:Pitha-4.jpg
Image:Pitha-5.jpg
Image:Pitha-6.jpg
Image:Pitha-7.jpg
Image:Pitha-8.jpg
Image:Pitha-9.jpg
Image:Pitha-10.jpg
Image:Pitha-11.jpg
Image:Pitha-12.jpg
Image:Pitha-13.jpg
Image:Pitha-15.jpg
File:Choi pitha.jpg|Choi pitha
File:Til pitha - Assamese Rice Cake.jpg
File:Pithas in Howrah District in West Bengal, January 2022.jpg
</gallery>
==See also==
{{portal|Food}}
* [[List of Indian breads]]
* [[List of steamed foods]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://odiarecipes.com/category.php?cid=6 Traditional Pitha Recipes from Odisha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625195317/https://odiarecipes.com/category.php?cid=6 |date=2021-06-25 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120307171519/http://www.bestofkanchan.com/indian-recipes/varieties-of-pitha-pithe-in-bengali/ Varieties of Pitha Recipes]
{{Culture of West Bengal}}
{{Indian Dishes}}
{{Indian bread}}
{{Bread}}
[[Category:Pitha| ]]
[[Category:Assamese cuisine]]
[[Category:Bengali cuisine]]
[[Category:Odia cuisine]]
[[Category:Indian desserts]]
[[Category:Indian breads]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi cuisine]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi desserts]]