Desserts of Assam have a distinct flavour that is marked by
Bengali influence. Rice is the staple
diet of the people of
Assam. It is also used to make variety of
sweets. Assam offers a range of sweetmeats called ‘Pitha’ made from
rice. This is one of the most famous
desserts of Assam and can be sweet and savoury depending on its ingredients. They are usually made during Bihu
Festival of Assam which celebrates the harvesting season. Some of the varieties of Assamese Pithas are as follows:
Til Pitha: Til Pitha is a moulded sticky rice cake with black sesame filling. It is generally made during Makar Sankranti in Assam.
Sunga Pitha: Sunga Pitha is a rice cake baked inside whole bamboo pieces. This Sunga pitha is prepared on ‘Uruka’ night, the night before Bihu.
Ghila Pitha: Ghila Pitha is a fried rice cake. It is a popular Assamese snack prepared during major festive occasions.
Kol Pitha: Kol Pitha is banana pancake. This Pitha is an underrated Pitha that is a delicacy in households but not commercially marketed perhaps.
Narikolor Laaru: Narikolor Laaru is a sweet coconut ball. Every household makes this delicious Laddu during Bihu celebrations.
