Pootharekulu from the Origins

It is pootharekulu which brought global recognition for Atreyapuram village in East Godavari district. Festivities in Godavari districts are incomplete without the traditional sweet. Pootharekulu is a must on the menu of big fat weddings in Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Pootharekulu are also sent to the relatives and friends living abroad by Telugu people as a gift.

Making of the `paper sweet’ is a cottage industry in Atreyapuram. According to villagers, Pootharekulu originated at Atreyapuram about three centuries ago. Jaggery was used for making the delicacy initially. With the passage of time, sugar replaced jaggery as a major ingredient of Pootharekulu. Now, a variety of Pootharekulu are available in the market. Hot and spicy Pootharekulu are a new creation. The price of each `paper sweet’ ranges from Rs 7 to Rs 15 depending on the quality and ingredients. Ghee and sugar are liberally used in making the delicacy.