‘Pakhala Dibasa’: Odisha CM expresses fondness for ‘Pakhala’ [WATCH]

Bhubaneswar: As Odias across the globe celebrate ‘Pakhala Dibasa’ on March 20, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik did not lose the opportunity to express his fondness towards ‘Pakhala’.

In a video, Patnaik can be seen enjoying ‘Pakhala’ along with small fish fries, green leaves fry and other Odia cuisines. Also, he said in the video ‘Pakhala mora Pasand’ (Pakhala is my favourite).

‘Pakhala’ derives from Sanskrit word ‘Prakhyala’ meaning ‘to wash with water’. Traditionally, it was prepared by keeping leftover rice in an earthen pot with some water and a small amount of curd/lemon. After 7-8 hours, the rice ferments and turns into ‘Pakhala’.

During summer ‘Pakhala’ (fermented rice) keeps someone cool. It also keeps digestive system healthy.

People have tried different ways of having this dish by adding a variety of flavours to it.