TMN Celebrates Pakhala Day on March 20

In order to further popularize, the traditional Odia rice dish 'Pakhala', TasteMoreNew (TMN) has celebrated the World Pakhal Day with much fanfare and gaiety.

Pakhala or water rice is not just a rice time for the people of Odisha, but a part of life, a socio-cultural identity. Although, it is difficult to trace the origin of this food in Odisha, it can be assumed that its origin would have been around 10^th century AD because it is believed that Pakhal was included in the recipe of Lord Jagannath.

 There is not a single home in Odisha where you cannot find a bowl with Pakhal bhata in it.  It is served with badi chura, macha bhaja (fried fish), saga, baigana tamata poda, alu bharta, amba chatani, onion and cucumber.

Types of Pakhala

 Jeera Pakhaḷa: It is made by adding fried cumin with curry leaves with Pakhaḷa.

 Dahi Pakhala: It is made by adding curd with pakhaḷa. Badi Chura is taken as a side dish with Pakhala.

 Garama Pakhaḷa: It is generally made by adding water instantly after making rice or with warm rice.

 Basi pakhaḷa : Basi in Odia means stale.  It is made by fermenting rice by adding water which is generally kept overnight and eaten in the next day. It is also known by the name Basi amana or Basyam that literally means stale cooked rice.

How to Prepare:  Preparation of Pakhala is quite simple. It is less time consuming. It is prepared with rice that is cooked. Then, rice is allowed to cool. After the rice is cooled, then water is poured in a bowl and rice is added into it.

Health benefits of Pakhala:  During summer, every Odia takes it twice or thrice a day to beat the heat and sun stroke.  It has several other health benefits, due to which the food is now popular in other states.

  

International Fame of Pakhala:  Over the years, Pakhala has gained wide recognition outside the state. Today it is consumed in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Chattisgarh, and Assam.  It is also consumed in foreign countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar.

Why March 20 as Pakhala Day:  March 20 marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall (autumn) in the southern hemisphere from an astronomical viewpoint. Twice a year, around March 20 or 21 and September 22 or 23, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night are nearly equal in all parts of the world. So 20th March is the perfect day to celebrate Universal Pakhala Day.