Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Pahkala Divas on Friday, Odias across the state feasted on Pakhala – the most-loved cuisine of Odisha.
However, many hotels and restaurants shelved the plans to celebrate the day in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
Some interesting facts about ‘Pakhala’
Pakhala is a great dish for scorching summers as it prevents dehydration. It cools down the body and helps feel relaxed during summers.
Pakhala is also offered to Lord Jagannath during the summer months.
Besides Odisha, Pakhaḷa is also popular in states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. It is called as Pazhaiya Sadam in Tamil Nadu, Panta Bhat in West Bengal, Bore Bhat in Chhattisgarh, in Jharkhand it is termed as Paani Bhat, Paakhaal or Pakhala, and in Assam, it’s called Poita Bhat.
The Dish
Pakhala is prepared by cooling cooked rice and then adding it to a bowl of water. It is usually served with baadi chura, roasted vegetable like potato fry, brinjal fry or some fried non-vegetarian items such as fish.
It is these side dishes which make it an elaborate affair over which families bond and thrive.
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