Dubai skyline stands testimony to Odias ‘pakhala’ party

Bhubaneswar/Dubai: A group of non-resident Odias living in Dubai got together to celebrate ‘Pakhala Dibasa’ in front of the iconic Dubai Marina Skyline yesterday.

Traditional Odia dishes like macha munda ghanta tarkari, Keonjhar badi bhaja, khada saga, rohi machcha bhaja, chota machcha rai, Chicken kasa and aloo chataka, made for an elaborate spread of side dishes. In preparation of pakhala also, usna chaula was used.

Young and old relished the delicious fare. “It is a fantastic feeling to eat pakhala in front of an iconic skyline. Cannot believe that we are celebrating Pakhala Dibasa in Dubai, that too in such a magical setting,” said a participant.

The kitchens were abuzz with activity since morning with the women in the group cooking the rich spread of authentic Odia cuisines. It began at six morning with the menfolk picking the fresh produce from the market and culminated with the pakhala party in the afternoon.