Patoleo are turmeric leaf stuffed leaf wrap, a dish which is mostly prepared on the western coast of India and other Indian Ocean islands. It is made of grated coconut, rice and jaggery, and cooked by wrapping and steaming in turmeric leaves.
Hindu community
-speaking Hindus prepare Patoleo on the second Sunday of Shravan, on Nag Panchami and on Hartalika, the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi. Salt-free Patoleo, are offered to Goddess Parvati, who according to a legend, is said to have a strong craving for these sweets during her pregnancy. Served with leaves on, in a dish. They are mainly eaten after removing the leaf and are eaten with the vegetarian festive lunch during the Hindu festivals.
Christian community
The simplest version of the Goan CatholicPatoleo is prepared by smearing parboiled rice paste on fresh turmeric leaves to which a filling of freshly grated coconut and coconut jaggery is added. Lastly, the leaves are folded, sealed and steam cooked, preferably in a traditional utensil known as chondrõ. These are served hot on a platter with the leaves on and eaten after peeling them off. They are often accompanied with tea or other hot beverages. The Catholic feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary which falls on 15 August coincides with the Independence Day of India. It is a feast held dearly by the Goan Catholic community, as many villages across Goa celebrate Konsâcheñ fest on this day and Patoleo are the star dish of the celebration. It is also prepared in Goa on the feast of São João which falls on 24 June. Patoleo are sent with Vojeñ to the bridegroom's house by the Goan people—Catholics and Hindus alike. The tradition of distributing Patoleo to neighbours and friends after the arrival of a new born in the family is still retained by some Goans. In bygone times, Patoleo were also distributed to mark the completion of construction of a house in Goa. Some Goan Catholic families send Patoleo to a house where people are mourning the death of a family member. Until modern medicine, Patoleo was often used to help children with whooping cough. The East Indian Catholicscall it Pân Mori or 'East Indian leaf cakes'. The Mangalorean Catholics say Patoley in their accent.
