Dhaka: Amid the chilly atmosphere of winter, a gracious perk of the season is the galore of pithas sold and enjoyed by many in city streets. It is somewhat of homage to the glorious taste of our rural treats.
Since the beginning of the winter, makeshift pitha shops have sprung all over the Dhaka city where Bhapa and Chitoi pithas are sold aplenty, while other wintry delights such as Patishapta, and Pakon pitha can be found, too. Street-side pitha sellers who constantly keep making different types of pitha (cakes) are seen in city’s key areas including Shahbagh, TSC, Paltan, Kakrail, Malibagh, Gulistan and even in the alleyways of other localities, reports the UNB.

These treats mostly start selling from the afternoon while the majority takers are seen blooming after the dusk.
Nahid, a student of a public university, said every winter he rejoices the taste of pithas from such shops with friends at night. ‘It reminds me of my native home and childhood memories often,’ he added.

Not only the consumers but also the sellers are happy to see the growing craving for pitha throughout the winter.

Sumon, owner of a pitha stall in Malibagh, said, ‘Eight pm is the prime time for me because customers mainly come in large numbers then. Cutting out all the expenses, I get to keep Tk 400-500 per night as profit.’

Moktar, another seller in Mouchak, said his income reached around Tk 2,500 every day by selling pithas.

Another important effect of the Pitha Culture in city streets is enjoying family times at evening.

Yunus Ahmed, a job holder, was seen eating pitha with his two daughters said after the office time it is a great hassle to spend time with family outside in recreation spots. ‘These shops are spread around my apartment building. I can take a stroll with my daughters and enjoy them as well,’ he said.
Women from impoverished families earn livelihoods by selling pithas during the few months of winter.
Aklima, a pitha seller in Rampura, said the money she earns throughout the winter is a contribution to the family aside from her husband’s small income.

The prices of pithas vary from place to place. Chitoi pitha which is enjoyed with mustard and other spicy bharta (mashed spices) is priced at Tk 5 each while Bhapa is sold at Tk 10-20 depending on sizes. Other Pithas are priced at Tk 20-50.

Sheeter Pitha, a significant heritage of rural Bangladesh being a signature of our countryside, has transitioned into the city lifestyle. 

While nothing can match the first encounter with the taste of Bhapa in native home, these stalls and pithas sold there resonate the tradition of Bangla.