Agra Petha Complete Guide 2026

No visit to Agra is complete without buying petha - the city's iconic translucent sweet made from ash gourd. This comprehensive Agra petha guide covers everything from the sweet's fascinating history and how it's made, to the best petha shops in Agra, the many petha varieties available, and crucial tips for identifying authentic petha.

The History of Agra Petha

The origins of petha are shrouded in legend, with the most popular story linking it to the construction of the Taj Mahal. According to local folklore, when Shah Jahan was building the monument to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, thousands of workers labored on the site. The emperor, wanting to provide something special for these workers, asked his royal kitchen to create a sweet that would be refreshing and energizing.

The royal chefs experimented with ash gourd (petha in Hindi, also known as winter melon or white pumpkin), a vegetable known for its cooling properties. They discovered that when cooked in sugar syrup with lime water, the gourd transformed into a translucent, jewel-like sweet with a unique texture. The workers loved it, and petha was born.

Whether this story is historically accurate or not, petha has been associated with Agra for at least 300-400 years. The city's climate and access to quality ash gourd from nearby farms helped establish a thriving petha industry that continues to this day.

How Petha is Made

Understanding how petha is made helps appreciate its unique qualities and identify authentic versions:

Step 1: Preparing the Ash Gourd

Fresh ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) is peeled and cut into pieces. The seeds and soft inner flesh are removed, leaving only the firm outer flesh. The pieces are typically cut into rectangular or square shapes.

Step 2: Lime Water Treatment

This is the crucial step that gives petha its distinctive texture. The gourd pieces are soaked in chuna pani (lime water - calcium hydroxide solution) for several hours. This treatment firms up the flesh and enables the characteristic translucency. The pieces are then thoroughly washed to remove the lime taste.

Step 3: Cooking in Sugar Syrup

The treated pieces are cooked in chasni (sugar syrup) over low heat for extended periods. This slow cooking allows the sugar to penetrate the gourd flesh completely. The cooking can take several hours, with the syrup concentration gradually increasing.

Step 4: Flavoring

Different varieties are created by adding flavors during or after cooking - saffron, cardamom, rose water, or dry fruits. Some varieties are coated with additional ingredients like chocolate or coconut.

Step 5: Drying and Finishing

Depending on the variety, petha may be dried to different degrees. Dry petha has a crystalline sugar coating, while anguri petha remains soft and syrupy.

Types of Petha - Complete Variety Guide

1. Dry Petha (Sukha Petha)

The classic variety that most people think of when they hear "Agra petha." Dry petha has a crystalline sugar coating on the outside and firm, translucent flesh inside. It has the longest shelf life (2-3 weeks at room temperature) and travels well. The texture is slightly chewy, and the sweetness is intense.

Best for: Gifting, travel, first-time petha eaters

2. Anguri Petha

Small, grape-sized pieces of soft petha soaked in sugar syrup. Anguri means "grape-like" in Hindi. These are softer and juicier than dry petha, with syrup that oozes when bitten. They're often served chilled.

Best for: Immediate consumption, those who prefer softer sweets

Shelf life: 3-5 days refrigerated

3. Kesar Petha (Saffron Petha)

Kesar petha is infused with saffron, giving it a golden-orange color and distinctive aromatic flavor. The saffron adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness. This is considered a premium variety.

Best for: Special occasions, gifting

4. Anardana Petha (Pomegranate Petha)

Petha studded with dried pomegranate seeds (anardana). The tangy seeds provide a pleasant contrast to the sweet petha. The combination of textures - soft petha and crunchy seeds - is appealing.

Best for: Those who find regular petha too sweet

5. Paan Petha

Flavored with paan (betel leaf) essence, giving it a distinctive green color and refreshing taste. The paan flavor adds a slightly cooling, herbal note.

Best for: Paan lovers, those seeking unique flavors

6. Chocolate Petha

A modern innovation where petha is coated with chocolate. The combination of traditional Indian sweet with chocolate creates a fusion flavor that appeals to younger generations.

Best for: Children, chocolate lovers, fusion food enthusiasts

7. Coconut Petha

Petha rolled in or stuffed with desiccated coconut. The coconut adds texture and a complementary flavor to the sweet petha.

Best for: Coconut lovers

8. Dry Fruit Petha

Premium variety stuffed with chopped dry fruits - almonds, cashews, pistachios. The nuts add crunch and make it more filling. This is typically the most expensive variety.

Best for: Premium gifting, special occasions

9. Santra Petha (Orange Petha)

Flavored with orange essence, giving a citrusy twist to the traditional sweet. The orange flavor complements the natural mildness of petha.

Best for: Those seeking fruity flavors

10. Gulkand Petha

Stuffed with gulkand (sweet rose petal preserve). The floral sweetness of gulkand pairs beautifully with petha. Often considered a specialty item.

Best for: Rose flavor enthusiasts

Best Petha Shops in Agra

Panchhi Petha

Panchhi Petha is perhaps the most famous petha brand, established in 1950. They have multiple outlets across Agra, with the main store in Sadar Bazaar. Known for consistent quality and wide variety, Panchhi has become synonymous with Agra petha for many visitors.

Locations: Multiple outlets including Sadar Bazaar, near Taj Mahal, and highway stores

Specialty: Wide variety, consistent quality, good packaging for travel

Price range: Rs 300-600 per kg depending on variety

Sethani Petha

Sethani Petha is another heritage brand with a loyal following. Some locals prefer Sethani for its slightly softer texture and traditional preparation methods. Their kesar petha is particularly well-regarded.

Locations: Sadar Bazaar and other areas

Specialty: Traditional preparation, excellent kesar variety

Bhagat Halwai

An older establishment known for traditional style petha. Less commercialized than Panchhi but respected by locals for quality.

Highway Shops

Several petha shops have opened along the Agra-Delhi highway (NH44). These cater primarily to travelers and tour buses. While convenient, prices tend to be higher and quality can be inconsistent. If stopping at highway shops, stick to known brands.

How to Identify Authentic Petha

With petha's popularity, counterfeit and low-quality versions are common. Here's how to identify authentic, quality petha:

Visual Indicators

• Translucency: Good petha should be translucent - you should be able to partially see through it. Opaque petha indicates poor-quality gourd or improper lime treatment
• Color: Plain petha should be off-white to very pale yellow. Artificial bright colors indicate added food coloring
• Uniformity: Pieces should be uniform in size and shape, indicating careful preparation
• Sugar coating: On dry petha, the sugar crystals should be even and not excessively thick

Texture Indicators

• Firmness: Dry petha should be firm but not hard. It should yield slightly when pressed
• Chewiness: Authentic petha has a pleasant chew - not mushy, not tough
• No graininess: The texture should be smooth. Grainy texture indicates poor-quality syrup or improper cooking

Taste Indicators

• Clean sweetness: Should taste purely sweet without any off-flavors
• No lime taste: Properly washed petha should not have any residual lime flavor
• Subtle gourd flavor: Very faint vegetable note underneath the sweetness indicates fresh gourd

Red Flags to Avoid

• Excessively cheap prices: Quality petha requires quality ingredients and time. Very cheap petha is likely inferior
• Strong artificial smell: Authentic petha has a subtle sweet smell, not overpowering artificial fragrance
• Slimy texture: Indicates old or improperly stored petha
• Sugar pooling: Excessive liquid sugar at the bottom of the container suggests poor quality

Buying Tips for Tourists

Where to Buy

• Buy from established shops: Panchhi, Sethani, and other known names offer consistent quality
• Avoid touts: Rickshaw or taxi drivers may take you to shops where they get commissions. These aren't always the best value
• Shop in Sadar Bazaar: The main market area has the highest concentration of petha shops, allowing comparison
• Taste before buying: Good shops allow sampling. Try before committing to a large purchase

What to Buy

• For travel: Dry petha lasts longest and travels best
• For immediate eating: Anguri petha offers the best fresh experience
• For gifts: Mixed boxes with multiple varieties make impressive gifts
• First-time buyers: Start with classic dry petha before trying flavored varieties

How Much to Buy

Petha is typically sold by weight. Common quantities:

• 250g: Small sample size, good for personal consumption
• 500g: Standard gift size for one person
• 1kg: Family pack or larger gift
• 2kg+: For multiple gifts or extended family

Pricing Guide (2026)

Variety	Price per Kg
Dry Petha (Plain)	Rs 280-350
Anguri Petha	Rs 300-380
Kesar Petha	Rs 400-500
Dry Fruit Petha	Rs 500-700
Flavored Varieties	Rs 350-450

Storage and Shelf Life

Dry Petha

• Room temperature: 2-3 weeks in a cool, dry place
• Refrigerated: 4-6 weeks
• Storage tip: Keep in airtight container away from moisture

Anguri/Soft Petha

• Room temperature: 2-3 days maximum
• Refrigerated: 5-7 days
• Storage tip: Keep the syrup to prevent drying

For Travel

If carrying petha on long journeys:

• Stick to dry varieties
• Request vacuum-sealed packaging if available
• Keep away from heat sources
• Don't stack heavy items on top

Petha and Your Health

Petha does have some traditional health associations, though it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content:

• Cooling effect: Ash gourd is traditionally considered cooling, making petha popular in summer
• Digestive: Some believe it aids digestion
• Sugar content: High sugar content means diabetics should avoid or limit consumption
• Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per 100g

Beyond Petha: Other Agra Sweets

While shopping for petha, explore these other Agra specialties:

• Gajak: Sesame and jaggery brittle, popular in winter
• Dalmoth: Agra's signature savory snack mix
• Gazak: Similar to gajak but with peanuts
• Rewri: Sesame candy