Odisha celebrates Pakhala Diwas

Pakhala Diwas (Pakhala Day) is celebrated on 20 March every year by Odias across the world where people eat a traditional cuisine Pakhala.

Pakhala, also known as Dahi Pakhala, was the dish first introduced in the recipe of Lord Jagannath of Puri. The dish is prepared with rice, curd, cucumber, cumin seeds, fried onions, and mint leaves which is popularly served with dry roasted vegetables like potato, brinjal, spinach or fried fish.

To promote cuisine in the modern era, Pakhala Diwas was declared on 20 March 2011, by a popular initiative to be celebrated by Odias worldwide.

The cooked rice is lightly fermented in water. The liquid part of the dish is known as Torani. It is a classic summer-time staple diet, often preferred as a lunch meal to beat the summer heat in eastern India.

In Odisha, people celebrate the day with friends and relatives, preparing Pakhala at home and enjoy the traditional cuisine.

Odisha Tourism Development Corporation organized an extravaganza on the occasion. “This day started in 2011 and today a big function has been organized on this day in which we are working to promote our nutritious food to the world. This nutritious food is good for everyone.” Said Lenin Mohanty, Chairman of Odisha Tourism Development Corporation on the occasion.