Odisha: Huge number of people participated in Panchu Dola festival in Banapur
Banapur: On Thursday, a sizable crowd participated in Banapur, Odisha’s Panchu Dola festival, a colorful and historic event. Five to ten days after the main Holi celebration, Panchu Dola is famous for its processions of deities from five prominent Shiva temples.
Earlier on Thursday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wished everyone a happy “Pakhal Day” and said that his personal favorite is “Pakhal,” the distinctive splendor of Odia cuisine and a representation of their individuality.
“This Pakhal is an essential component of the Odia people’s way of life. “Happy ‘Pakhal Day’ to all of you,” he said.
“There is no alternative to pakhala in Odia cuisine. Even Lord Jagannath, our beloved god, offers pakhala as one of his sacrifices. In fact, our history, social cohabitation, and Odia spirit have all been entwined with Pakhala throughout the decades. The Odisha CM wrote on X in Odia, “The Odia community is proud of Pakhala, and through this, we continue to uphold and showcase the essence of Odia identity to the world. Our hearts are pure, and the spirit of the Ganges flows within us.”
Pakhala is a typical Odia meal made of rice, curd, fried onions, cucumber, cumin seeds, and mint leaves. Dry-roasted vegetables like potatoes, brinjal, spinach, or fried fish are often served with it.
Every year, Odias over the globe commemorate Pakhala Diwas (Pakhala Day) on March 20 and consume the food. However, Lord Jagannath of Puri’s recipe was the one that first presented the meal.
Water is used to gently ferment the cooked rice. Torani is the name of the dish’s liquid component. It is a common summertime staple meal in Odia. Dahi Pakhala, another name for pakala, is served with a variety of side dishes. In eastern India, this meal is often chosen to combat the summer heat.
Pakhala preparations are made at home to commemorate the day in Odisha. They join friends and family in celebrating the day.
On March 20, 2011, a popular campaign announced Pakhala Diwas to be observed by Odias globally in order to promote contemporary cuisine.
