Amritsari Petha a big draw among visitors

       Amritsar: The holy city of Amritsar, which is famous for the Golden temple around the world, is also known for its sweetened white pumpkin or, the "Petha" in common parlance. Though the "Amritsari Petha" is common knowledge among country's Punjabi and Sikh community at large, there are many people, who claim ignorance about it. The Amritsari Petha is prepared in the narrow lanes of the centuries old 'Pathe wala Bazaar' in the walled city. The technology and the process of petha making have remained unchanged. It takes about four days to prepare the Petha. "Amritsari Pappar Warian" is as much popular as the Amritsari Petha is among the people visiting the city. Almost all visiting the city irrespective of the time of year ensure that they don't forget carrying it along with them. Interestingly, most of the people learn about these items through word of mouth. A decade ago there were just two varieties of Petha. But changing times have brought in additional flavors but dry Petha, the oldest variety, continues to be the most popular. "People belonging to different social strata of life also prefer it for the reason that it comes cheap and is a durable sweet. Besides its delicious taste, the Amritsari Petha also provides nutritional value to the eater", said Gurjit Singh, a Petha manufacturer of Bazaar Pathe wala. Costing rupees 35-60 per kilogram, it is affordable for almost all, especially, when the price of other sweets (ranging Rs.100- 350 per kg) are considered. "Lot of people to buy the sweet. Amritsari Petha is crispier than the equally popular Agra Petha of Uttar Pradesh, "added Gurjit Singh "This is the only pure sweet which has no side effects whereas all other sweets are required to be mixed with ghee, artificial colours and various other things. Moreover, this sweet is the first choice of common man," said Darbari Lal, another Petha manufacturer.
-Dec 6, 2006