Pethahas a rich history in North Indian cuisine. Petha is a famous confectionery from Agra known for its unusual texture and diverse flavors.
Petha originates in the Mughal era, specifically in Emperor Shah Jahan's kitchens. Cooking with ash gourd produced a translucent, exquisite sweet that enchanted royal palates.
Petha is a popular seasonal staple, especially during events like Diwali. Its appearance on dessert platters and as a gift on auspicious occasions symbolizes prosperity and community.
Traditionally, Petha is made by simmering ash gourd slices in sugar syrup and letting them crystallize. Petha became a confectionary art form symbolizing Indian workmanship because of its translucent quality.
Petha is known for its diverse taste options, including plain and infused varieties with saffron, cardamom, and paan (betel leaf). This versatility appeals to many tastes, making it popular at festivals and festivities.
Famous for the Taj Mahal, Agra is also known for its culinary symbol, Petha. In all its forms, Petha represents Agra's culinary tradition and has crossed regional boundaries.