Punjabi · Food & Drink
ਮਿਠਾਈ
mithai
Sweets
Beginnernoun
Definition
Sweets — laddoo, jalebi, barfi — distributed at every happy occasion.
Example
ਵਿਆਹ ਉੱਤੇ ਮਿਠਾਈ ਵੰਡੀ ਗਈ।
Sweets were distributed at the wedding.
Etymology
'ਮਿਠਾਈ' (mithai) comes from the Sanskrit word 'मधुर' (madhura), which means sweet. The word has evolved to encompass a variety of traditional sweets in Indian culture.
How & Where It’s Used
'ਮਿਠਾਈ' is primarily used in informal contexts, especially during festivals and celebrations. It is also written in formal texts such as catering menus.
Literary Heritage
Featured prominently in Punjabi folk songs and poetry reflecting joy and celebration.