It Is No Coincidence That Odisha Celebrates Pakhala Dibasa On ‘International Day Of Happiness’

Bhubaneswar: Nothing beats a bowl full of Pakhala and a variety of accompaniments! It is Pakhala Dibasa again, which is being observed since 2015 on March 20 to celebrate the favourite summer dish of fermented rice in Odisha. It is also a time-tested recipe to beat the scorching summer heat.

It is no coincidence that this day is celebrated on World Happiness Day and two days after World Sleep Day, because, for Odias across the globe Pakhala is synonymous with both ‘Happiness’ and ‘Sound Sleep’.

Saheed Nagar Durga Puja committee in Bhubaneswar celebrated the day by preparing ‘Dahi Pakhala’ along with 30 side dishes for around 1000 people. “For most Odias, Pakhala is close to heart. Not only the people, Pakhala is also served to Lord Jagannath in Srimandir. We have been serving Pakhala on World Pakhala Day every year. It not only tingles our taste buds, it is good for health too,” said an office bearer of Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Committee.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also greeted all Odias and those with a passion for sumptuous food on Pakhala Dibasa. “This simple, flavourful and humble fare is a hit for us Odias on all occasions. For the uninitiated, it is fermented rice mixed with curd. It is relished with an assortment of roasted/fried seasonal vegetables, green chillies and salad. A great immunity booster, Pakhala is a must-eat, particularly in summers,” he posted on X.

Many Odias and lovers of Pakhala, including politicians and sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, also took to social media to express their love for this dish. Check the posts here: