Prajakta Tholua Jalpan

Satyabati Das has been passionately working with a dream that begins with something small, often in the most unexpected ways. For me, it started in my kitchen with the simple joy of preparing coconut pithas and coconut laddus for my family and guests. Cooking these traditional treats gave me happiness, but I never thought it could turn into something more.

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Her Entrepreneurial Journey

One day, a friend of my husband tasted them and asked me to prepare extra so he could share them with his office colleagues. I agreed, not realizing that this small favor would change everything. To my surprise, his colleagues loved them and started requesting them every week. Soon, I was making pithas and laddus regularly, and for the first time, my food reached people outside my home.

Encouraged by this appreciation, I decided to take part in NEDFI Haat, Guwahati, during Bhogali Bihu in 2003. It was my first stall, and I sold coconut pithas, til pithas, laddus, tel pitha, ghila pitha, puffed rice, buffalo’s curd, and cream. I was nervous, but the response was incredible. People were excited to see these traditional foods, and many told me how nostalgic it felt to taste them again. The stall turned out to be a huge success, giving me the confidence to continue. the business in a very small volume which after a quick and good response from public extended to a greater level in a very small duration of time.

Encouraged, I participated again during Bohag Bihu, and the response was equally strong. Customers came back looking for my stall, asking for their favorite items. That was the true beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. Unfortunately, when COVID struck, everything came to a halt, and we had to stop.

But the passion never left. Last year, I restarted with new energy and introduced unique delicacies such as Kokal Bondha Pitha, Lau Palla Pitha, and Jil Mil Pitha — items mainly popular in Lower Assam and rarely found in markets. At NEDFI Haat, we were the only ones offering them, which made us stand out. The uniqueness of these products even drew the attention of local news channels, who featured our stall. That recognition made me proud, because it was proof that people value these traditional recipes.

This journey made me realize that it was time to build something bigger. I decided to create a brand: “Prajakta Tholua Jalpan.” The name reflects authenticity and tradition, representing the essence of Assamese snacks and delicacies. My dream is to make these foods available not only during festivals but throughout the year, so people can enjoy the flavors of home anytime.

Through this brand, I want to preserve and celebrate Assamese heritage. Traditional recipes are slowly disappearing in today’s fast-paced world, and many young people only know of pithas and laddus through stories. My vision is to keep these timeless flavors alive, to support local farmers and suppliers, and to make Assamese cuisine recognized and celebrated widely.

From a small kitchen experiment to a brand that is taking shape, the journey has been full of challenges, learning, and gratitude. With the love and support of people, I believe Prajakta Tholua Jalpan will continue to grow and carry forward the taste of tradition.