বাংলার পিঠাপুলি : বৈচিত্র্য, সাংস্কৃতিক ঐতিহ্য ও নান্দনিকতার প্রতীক/ Bengal’s pithapuli : A symbol of diversity, cultural heritage and aesthetics

Abstract

Pithapuli (various forms of traditional Bengali rice cakes, steamed or fried) represents a significant yet under researched intangible cultural heritage of Bengal, deeply Interwined with the region’s agricultural cycle, seasonal changes and social fabric. This research explores pithapuli as a profound symbol of Bengali identity, Analyzing it through the lenses of diversity, cultural heritage and aesthetics. Primarily prepared during the winter harvest festival of ‘Poush Sankranti’, pithapuli showcases remarkable variations in shape, texture and taste, ranging from steamed bhapa pitha and spongy chitoi to the rolled crepe of patishapta and intricate nakshi pithe.

          This study identifies the communal preparation of these sweets as a practice that fosters family bonding and hospitality, reinforcing social cohesion and continuity of tradition across generations. Furthermore, the study delves into the aesthetic dimensions of pithapuli, where the meticulous shaping of rice flour and coconut dough is regarded as a form of folk art, often reflecting rural craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility.

          Pithapuli holds a significant place in Bengali literature, notably in the Mangal Kavya, symbolizing an agrarian lifestyle and cultural identity. The research examine how pithapuli acts as a bridge between the rural and urban divide. While rooted in village tradition, the ‘Pitha – Utsavs’ (festivals) in metropolitan areas demonstrate the resilience of this heritage in the face of globalization.

          This research highlights the need to preserve this delicate, time intensive and culturally rich culinary art against the backdrop of modernization and fast – food trends, arguing for its recognition as a vital, living component of West Bengal’s aesthetic legacy. The abstract concludes that pithapuli is a vital component of Bengali identity, embodying a shared history that transcends political borders and celebrates the region’s pluralistic spirit.