Patishapta Pitha | Delicious Patishapta

Patishapta is one of my favourite pitha in Bengali culture, during the Poush Sankranti festival, which brings warm comfort to the frosty air of January. The day before the festival, my mother would begin preparing pitha, and we, her eager helpers, would be by her side. With practised ease, she’d shape rice flour into various pithas, her nimble fingers working effortlessly. Even as a child, I watched in awe as she crafted the delicate Patishapta. Though I didn’t fully grasp the intricate process back then, I followed her instructions with wide-eyed wonder. The entire house pulsed with the joy of collaboration as everyone gathered to assist her.

On the day of Poush Sankranti morning, I’d bathe before venturing out to burn the Meji ghor (bonfire) or Meramerir Ghor a symbolic farewell to winter. Then came the grand finale: savouring the Patishapta, each bite a testament to my mother’s love and skill.
Today, when Poush Sankranti arrives, I find myself lost in memories. I remember my Boromi (father’s younger sister), who lived nearby in the same city of Guwahati. Every year, she’d visit with his two sons, their presence adding another layer of joy to the festivities. My mother, a whirlwind of activity, would be busy making Patishapta on one hand while keeping everyone entertained on the other.

Now, as the years roll by, I miss those days with a bittersweet pain. The warmth of family, the aroma of freshly made pitha, the laughter echoing in the air – these are the treasures that time cannot steal. They are the essence of Makar Sankranti, a reminder of love, tradition, and the enduring power of home.

What is Patishapta:

Patishapta is a traditional Bengali sweet, particularly popular in the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is a  thin, crepe, filled with a mixture of coconut, khoya (reduced milk), or jaggery. Patishapta is often made during the Makar Sankranti festival.

What is Patishapta Pitha made of:

Patishapta Pitha is made of all-purpose flour/ rice flour combined with semolina, and sugar powder. Mixed with water or milk to make a thick batter. Then the thin crepe is made, and filled with kheer (reduced milk), or coconut and jaggery mixed with reduced milk (khersa). 

Serving Suggestion:

Patishapta goes exceptionally well with Kheer / Rabri or Payesh. Before serving you can slightly drizzle date palm jaggery syrup over the rolled Patisapta.

FAQ:

Q: Are there variations of Patishapta?

A: Yes, there are variations of Patishapta with different fillings and ingredients. Some may include variations in the crepe batter, while others experiment with the filling, creating diverse flavours.

Q: Can Patishapta be stored for later consumption?

A: It is always best to consume fresh Patishapta, leftovers can be refrigerated for a short duration. However, the texture may change slightly upon reheating, so it’s good to consume it soon after preparation.