This is a type of spatula. It is usually very flat, and has a triangular or square headpiece attached to a long handle.
This is very a useful and convenient kitchen tool for turning fish, meat and vegetables and chapatis/parathas,and dosas on a Tawa/ skillet. It is useful too, for stir-frying in an open pan.
Paltas can be made of wood, stainless steel, iron, aluminium etc. The size, shape and thickness of the handle and the headpiece vary a lot. This leads to a range of different shaped Paltas as each one is suitable for a specific cooking method/ food item.
Stainless steel Palta