The Odia community gathered across Odisha today to celebrate the beloved traditional dish, Pakhala, on the occasion of World Pakhala Dibasa.
The event witnessed participation from prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, OLA Speaker Surama Padhy, council of ministers and legislators, who joined hands in relishing this iconic dish, underscoring its cultural and emotional significance.
ପଖାଳ ହେଉଛି ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଆମାନଙ୍କର ସବୁଠାରୁ ପ୍ରିୟ ଖାଦ୍ୟ। ପଖାଳ ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ପ୍ରାଣର ସ୍ପନ୍ଦନ ଓ ଆମ ଆତ୍ମା। ପଖାଳ ଦିବସ ଅବସରରେ ମାନ୍ୟବର ମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଓ ବିଧାୟକ ସମସ୍ତେ ମିଶି ଆମ ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ପଖାଳର ଆନନ୍ଦ ନେବା ଓଡ଼ିଆତ୍ୱର ଏକ ସ୍ୱତନ୍ତ୍ର ଅନୁଭବ।
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ସଂସ୍କୃତିରେ ପଖାଳର ବିକଳ୍ପ ନାହିଁ। ଆମ ଆରାଧ୍ୟ ଦେବତା ମହାପ୍ରଭୁ… pic.twitter.com/SuF4fMXdOp
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) March 20, 2025
Pakhala, a fermented rice dish, has long been a symbol of Odia heritage, offering a refreshing and comforting meal well-suited to the region’s tropical climate. This traditional food item is deeply intertwined with the identity of Odisha, as well as with the worship of Lord Jagannath at the Puri Temple.
During the festivities, participants emphasized the essence of this dish in preserving Odia food traditions and fostering community spirit. The day highlighted not just the culinary importance of Pakhala but also its status as an irreplaceable part of Odisha’s cultural fabric.
