Bhubaneswar: As temperatures soar above 40°C in many parts of Odisha, people in the state are turning to traditional, natural beverages that are not only refreshing but also packed with health benefits—far better alternatives to sugary aerated drinks loaded with preservatives.
Odisha boasts a rich array of easy-to-prepare or readily available summer drinks made from local ingredients. These time-tested coolers help hydrate the body, aid digestion, and provide a cooling effect without artificial additives.
Bela Pana
A highlight of Odia summers, Bela Pana (made from wood apple or bael fruit) is traditionally prepared during Pana Sankranti, the Odia New Year, but remains popular throughout the hot season for its medicinal qualities. The drink is made by mashing ripe bela pulp with water, then blending it with chhena (cottage cheese), mashed banana, grated coconut, black pepper powder, and other spices. It is believed to cool the body, support digestion, and offer relief from stomach issues due to the bael fruit’s natural properties
Pudina Sharbat
For a quick burst of freshness, Pudina Sharbat (mint cooler) blends fresh mint, ginger, and green chilli, then mixes in yogurt, water, lime juice, and salt, finished with ice cubes. This zesty drink is inexpensive and highly sought after for its cooling and relaxing effect on hot afternoons.
Mango Juice
Seasonal mango juice offers a sweet and nutritious option. Vendors from Uttar Pradesh and local sellers in places like Ashok Nagar prepare it with mango pulp, milk, ice, and sugar.
Tender Coconut Water
Tender coconut water (nariyal pani) stands out as a natural electrolyte-rich hydrator, typically priced at Rs 50–60. It is widely regarded as one of the simplest and most effective ways to combat dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Tanka Torani
A beloved classic, Tanka Torani is a probiotic-rich fermented rice drink famously served at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is prepared using one-day-old cooked rice (anna), water, curd, roasted cumin powder, salt, and often a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilli, ginger, or lemon. Served in small earthen pots, this tangy, savoury cooler is praised for its gut-friendly properties, hydration benefits, and ability to soothe the body during peak summer.
Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is a delicious fruit that makes for a refreshing treat during summer. You can have watermelon or the juice to beat the heat. It also revives our body from the scorching heat. Watermelon is available here at many place at Rs 30 per kg. “Watermelon is the favourite of most people. We earn Rs 4,000 to 5,000 per day by selling it,” said Bhima, who sells watermelon near Jagannath Vihar here.
Sugarcane Juice
Fresh sugarcane juice, rich in natural glucose, delivers an instant energy boost and is available across the city for about Rs 20 per glass.
Lassi
Creamy lassi remains a favourite on sweltering days, with stalls offering plain or flavoured varieties (including popular rabdi lassi) for Rs 60-100. Iconic spots like Lingaraj Lassi at Shahid Nagar draw crowds for their thick, refreshing servings.
Lime Juice
Simple and affordable lime juice (nimbu pani), sold for as little as Rs 30 per glass near markets like Unit-1, sees high demand—one vendor claims to sell around 300 glasses daily.
These traditional Odia drinks emphasize natural ingredients and cultural heritage while delivering practical benefits like cooling the body, replenishing fluids, and supporting digestion. Experts and locals alike recommend them over packaged beverages for better health during the hot months. Whether homemade or from street stalls in Bhubaneswar, they offer a tasty, economical way to stay cool and hydrated as summer intensifies.
