Bhubaneswar, 20 March (H.S.): A state-level ‘Pakhala Parab’ was celebrated in Bhubaneswar to mark World Pakhala Day, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attending the event and highlighting the cultural significance of the traditional Odia dish.

Organised by the Tourism Department at Panthanivas, the event aimed to promote the popularity of ‘Pakhala’, a staple summer dish of Odisha, at both national and global levels. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Pakhala is not merely a food item but an integral part of Odisha’s culture and heritage.

He emphasized that the primary objective of World Pakhala Day is to take Odia cuisine to the global stage and ensure that traditional food practices are preserved amid the growing influence of Western food culture.

Recalling his childhood memories associated with the dish, the Chief Minister said that Pakhala is not just the food of the poor but is also favourite to Lord Jagannath. He noted that offerings such as ‘Tanka Torani’ and Pakhala are made at the Jagannath Temple, symbolizing simplicity and purity. He also described Pakhala as a “zero-waste” food and highlighted its probiotic benefits, stating that it contains beneficial bacteria that help eliminate harmful microbes in the body.

The Chief Minister further said that World Pakhala Day has now evolved into a global celebration, with Odias across India and abroad observing the day with pride. He added that the dish serves as a cultural link connecting the diaspora to their roots.

On the occasion, he expressed gratitude to farmers worldwide and urged the younger generation to understand and value Odia traditions. He stressed that while progress is important in a rapidly changing world, staying connected to one’s roots is equally vital. He described the celebration as an integral part of the government’s vision of a “Developed Odisha.”

During the event, the Chief Minister interacted virtually with members of the Odia diaspora from countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, and Singapore, as well as participants from 15 Indian states. Chefs promoting Odia cuisine at national and international levels were also felicitated.

A major highlight of the event was the preparation of 1,177 kilograms of Pakhala using 850 kilograms of rice, an initiative aimed at securing a place in the Guinness World Records. The prepared food was distributed among more than 2,000 people from underprivileged communities.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the Odia food festival at the venue, where around 326 traditional dishes were showcased. He appreciated the efforts and also joined dignitaries in partaking of Pakhala.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal, MLA Babu Singh, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, along with other legislators and distinguished guests.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda