On Pakhala Dibas, Ponder Over The Iconic Dish Of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: March 20 is being observed as Pakhala Dibas to promote the cuisine in the modern era. It marks the popularity of the state’s staple food for ages even in the age of pizza, burgers and other fast food items.

World Pakhala Divas History

The exact origins of celebrating World Pakhala Divas aren’t known. However, the eastern food dish was first introduced within the recipe of Lord Jagannath of Puri circa 10. The food item is taken into account good to beat the summer heat, and to market it, World Pakhala Divas’s occasion is widely known around the world.

World Pakhala Divas Significance

The Odia community across the world celebrates the festive event of World Pakhala Divas, and therefore the festivities aren’t limited to India only. However, apart from Odisha, where the main celebration of Pakhala Divas is held, this dish is also savoured in Assam, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, etc. In Tamil Nadu, it is consumed on festive occasions and is passionately called ‘Pazhaiya Sadam’.

Pakhala is widely eaten in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent (including Nepal, Bangladesh and some part of Myanmar) by the common people. Later the Five Star Hotels of Bhubaneswar included it in their menu and commercialized it to attract the guests, who love to taste Oriental cuisine.