Every year when winter comes, there is a rush to sell Bhapa Pitha (rice cake) along various busy roads of Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali. Even before the onset of winter, there has been a flurry of selling Pithas at the intersections of various roads and public gatherings in Upazila Sadar.
It can be seen on the ground that the sale of cakes in the evening at different places of the upazila including Subidkhali Three Road junction, North side of Steel Bridge, in front of High School and in front of Upazila Parishad Auditorium. Buyers are likely to call everyone who looks appropriate, even if there are only a few. Crowds of people can be seen in these shops as soon as evening falls. Most of the buyers are locals of the area. Among the cakes, Bhapa and Chitai (rice cake) are the most valued cakes. Chitai Pitha is being sold at five Tk per piece and Bhapa Pitha at 10 taka.
This traditional delicacy has a significant place in the rural food culture of this region. Every year, as the winter season approaches, low-income people, especially women, are making and selling cakes along the roadsides at the beginning of winter. They are also making a living by selling cakes.
Setara Begum (56) of East Subidkhali village has been selling cakes in an empty space next to Subidkhali Steel Bridge. She is the mother of two daughters and a son. Her husband has not inquired about her for about 25 years. Since then he has been making a living by selling cakes.
She said that she earns about 500 Tk every day by selling cakes. Which he spends for the world. When the winter season ended, he changed his profession.
Read more: Quilt sale soars in Patuakhali
According to the cake sellers, the ingredients for making steamed cake are rice powder, coconut and date molasses. Steamed cake is made by wrapping cloth in a round shaped pot and steaming it in boiling water with a lid. On the other hand, Chitai Pitha is made in a special way by mixing rice powder with water. Thiese snacks will continue to be sold until the winter season ends.
