Patishapta is a pancake-like dessert stuffed with kheer (khoa) or coconut mixed with jaggery. It is very popular in various states of eastern India like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and also in Bangladesh.

Every year, on 14-January, the rice harvesting festival is celebrated across India. Makar Sankranti, Poush Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, Lohiri, etc. are some of the names of the same festival as celebrated in different states of India. 

On this day, the Sun moves from Southern hemisphere to Northern hemisphere by entering sign of Capricorn (Makar). This marks the beginning of Uttarayan phase and is considered to be very auspicious.

Although this dessert is associated with Makar Sankranti, but its popularity spans across all the major festivals in India throughout the year.

Patishapta