Dharwad pedha

Dharwad Pedha is a popular sweet delicacy unique to the Indian state of Karnataka. It is specifically associated with the city of Dharwad, from which it derives its name.

History

The history of Dharwad Pedha dates back to the 19th century. It was first prepared by the Thakur family, who migrated from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh to Dharwad after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The Thakur family started a sweet shop named "Babusingh Thakur Pedha" where they began the commercial production of Dharwad Pedha.

Preparation

Dharwad Pedha is made from milk that is boiled and stirred continuously until it reduces to a thick consistency. Sugar and other ingredients are then added to the mixture, which is then rolled into small, round pedhas. The outer layer of the pedha is coated with sugar, giving it a distinct texture and taste.

Cultural Significance

Dharwad Pedha is not just a sweet, but a cultural symbol of the city of Dharwad. It is a customary practice to serve Dharwad Pedha during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. It is also a popular gift item during the festive season.

Geographical Indication

In 2019, Dharwad Pedha was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India. This means that only those sweets that are produced in Dharwad can be officially sold as 'Dharwad Pedha'.

See Also

• List of Indian sweets and desserts
• Cuisine of Karnataka