Bhubaneswar: The state-level Pakhala Parab was celebrated with great fervor at Panthanivas in Bhubaneswar, organized by the Tourism Department to elevate the global profile of Odisha’s quintessential summer staple, Pakhala. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the event, emphasizing that Pakhala is not merely a meal but an inseparable part of Odia culture, tradition, and identity.
Highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the dish, the Chief Minister noted its deep connection to Lord Jagannatha. He mentioned how Pakhala and Tanka Torani are offered as Bhoga at the Shree Jagannatha Temple, symbolizing the purity of a simple lifestyle. In an era dominated by Western food trends, he described Pakhala Day as an effort to unite Odias and preserve traditional roots. He also spoke about the nutritional benefits of the fermented rice, referring to its probiotic properties and its status as a zero-waste food.
A major highlight of the celebration was the preparation of a massive 1,177 kg bowl of Pakhala using 850 kg of rice, aimed at creating a Guinness World Record. Following the event, the state government distributed this Pakhala to over 2,000 members of underprivileged communities. Before the formal ceremony, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries toured an Odia food festival featuring 326 varieties of traditional dishes, where they sat together to enjoy a traditional Pakhala meal.
The event took on a global dimension as the Chief Minister interacted via virtual platform with the Odia diaspora across 15 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, and Singapore. He also honored several chefs who have been instrumental in promoting Odia cuisine nationally and internationally. The Chief Minister urged the younger generation to value their heritage, stating that the vision of a Developed Odisha includes moving toward modernity while keeping ancient cultural traditions secure.
The ceremony was attended by Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with various ministers, MPs, and MLAs, all joining together to celebrate this milestone in Odisha’s cultural calendar.