Bhubaneswar: To popularise Odisha’s iconic summer delicacy pakhala, the tourism department organised a state-level ‘Pakhala Parba’ here on Thursday, where chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the dish is not merely food but an inseparable part of Odisha’s culture and tradition.Addressing the event, the CM said, “The primary objective of Pakhala Divas is to take Odia cuisine to the global stage and unite Odias so that the traditional food does not get overshadowed by western food culture.”Recalling his childhood association with pakhala, Majhi added, “This is not just the food of the poor but also a favourite offering of Mahaprabhu Jagannath. Tanka torani and pakhala bhog are offered at Shrimandira, reflecting the purity and value of a simple lifestyle.”He also described pakhala as a “zero waste” food. Highlighting its probiotic properties, the CM said the beneficial bacteria present in pakhala help eliminate harmful bacteria in the body. “World Pakhala Divas is no longer confined to Odisha and has grown into a global celebration, with Odias across India and abroad observing the day with pride. Pakhala has become a medium to connect the Odia diaspora with their roots,” he added.On the occasion, Majhi expressed gratitude to the farming community and urged the younger generation to understand the value of Odia traditions. “While progress in a fast-paced world is important, remaining connected to one’s roots is equally essential,” he said.“Pakhala Divas has become an integral part of the govt’s ‘Viksit Odisha’ vision, aimed at advancing modernity while preserving the state’s ancient culture and heritage for future generations,” he said.During the programme, the CM interacted via video conferencing with Odias living in Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Singapore and 15 Indian states. He also felicitated chefs who have been promoting Odia cuisine at national and international levels.A major attraction of the event was a 1,177-kg pakhala prepared with 850kg of rice by the tourism department for a Guinness World Records attempt. The pakhala was later distributed among more than 2,000 underprivileged people.Prior to the programme, the CM visited an Odia food fair at Panthanivas, along with other guests, and appreciated the preparation of around 326 varieties of Odia dishes.
