TNI Bureau: The state-level ‘Pakhala Parab’ was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of World Pakhala Day, showcasing Odisha’s rich culinary heritage and cultural identity. Organized by the Tourism Department at Panthanivas, the event witnessed the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who emphasized that pakhala is not merely a dish but an integral part of Odisha’s tradition and lifestyle.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the primary objective of observing World Pakhala Day is to promote Odia cuisine on the global stage. He stressed the importance of preserving traditional food practices amid the growing influence of Western food culture, noting that such initiatives unite Odias across the world.

In an emotional note, Majhi recalled his childhood memories associated with pakhala and described it as a food cherished by all sections of society. He also highlighted its religious significance, mentioning that pakhala is offered as bhog to Lord Jagannath at the Jagannath Temple, reflecting the purity and simplicity of traditional living. He further pointed out that pakhala is a “zero-waste” food and praised its probiotic qualities, which help improve digestion and eliminate harmful bacteria.

The Chief Minister remarked that World Pakhala Day has now evolved into a global celebration, with Odias across India and abroad observing the day with pride. He noted that the dish has become a cultural bridge connecting the diaspora to their roots, helping Odia heritage reach every corner of the world.

As part of the celebrations, a major highlight was the preparation of 1,177 kilograms of pakhala using 850 kilograms of rice, an initiative aimed at securing a place in the Guinness World Records. The prepared food was distributed among more than 2,000 people from underprivileged communities, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the festival.

Majhi also interacted virtually with members of the Odia diaspora from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, and Singapore. Chefs promoting Odia cuisine at national and international levels were felicitated during the event.

Before the formal program, the Chief Minister toured an Odia food festival showcasing around 326 traditional dishes and appreciated the efforts to preserve the state’s culinary diversity. He later joined guests in partaking of pakhala.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said that initiatives like Pakhala Day are part of the broader vision of a developed Odisha – one that progresses with modernity while staying deeply rooted in its cultural heritage.