Is baking soda and phitkari the same?

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and alum (phitkari) are two different compounds with different chemical formulas and properties. Baking soda is a white, crystalline powder that is used as a leavening agent in baking, as well as a cleaning agent and deodorant. It has the chemical formula NaHCO3. Alum, on the other hand, is a colourless or white crystalline salt that is used as an astringent, antiseptic, and deodorant. It has the chemical formula KAl(SO4)2·12H2O.

While both baking soda and alum have some similar uses, such as being used as cleaning agents and deodorants, they are not the same compound and should not be used interchangeably.