Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and other dignitaries on Thursday greeted the people of the state on the occasion of ‘Pakhala Divas’, a day when the state’s staple food is cherished by its citizens.
‘Pakhala’, a traditional Odia dish made from rice, has its roots in Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Popular in summer, it is believed to aid digestion and keep the body cool.
According to tradition, Pakhala is prepared by keeping leftover rice in an earthen pot with water. After a few hours, the rice ferments and turns into a proper ‘Pakhala’, he added.
Various types of ‘Pakhala’ include ‘Basi’ (fermented), ‘Saja’ (fresh), ‘Dahi’ (curd), ‘Sugandhi’ (fragrant) and ‘Meetha’ (sweet) Pakhala.
‘Pakhala’ is typically enjoyed with side dishes like fried potatoes, brinjal, greens and fish fry.
Once considered a staple of the poor, ‘Pakhala’ has gained popularity in high-end restaurants, with special ‘Pakhala Thalis’ being served in five-star hotels.
