Pakhala Dibasa Celebrated Uniquely at Shreekhetra
Puri, 20/03/2025: Pakhala Dibasa (Pakhala Day) was celebrated in a unique and grand manner at Shreekhetra (Puri). Mahants of various mathas, saints, and sages came together to elevate the significance of this traditional day. The celebration also highlighted Lord Jagannath’s deep connection with pakhala — a fermented rice and water dish beloved across Odisha. Devotion to Lord Jagannath includes six types of pakhala in His offerings. The Jagannath Temple even has a separate pakhala stove and a pakhala tank dedicated to its preparation.
While pakhala is a favorite among every Odia, its popularity is now spreading globally. Though similar dishes exist in other regions under different names, most are inspired by the traditional Odia version. Globally too, pakhala is now being recognized and appreciated for its scientific and health benefits. In honor of this, the Rashtra Seva Trust celebrated Pakhala Day in a special way.
Mahants, saints, and spiritual leaders came together and shared a meal of traditional pakhala, enhancing the spirit of the occasion. Served in clay pots with curd pakhala, and accompanied by baigana bharta (mashed brinjal), badi chura (crushed lentil fritters), fried banana slices, and over 15 other Odia delicacies served on banana leaves, the event sent a strong cultural message. The food was prepared without onion and garlic, preserving its purity and authenticity. Through this, these spiritual leaders urged every Odia to embrace and celebrate this culinary tradition.
The celebration organized by Rashtra Seva Trust was graced by the participation of saints, spiritual leaders, and respected figures including former MLA Jayanta Sarangi, Rajkumar Jhunjhunwala, Ramavatar Agrawal, Ramkrishna Das Maharaj, Mahant Shubhanand Puri Maharaj, Mahant Sukatel Das, Mahamandaleshwar Ramkrishna Das of Papudia Matha, Narayan Ramanuj Das, Dr. Ramcharan Das, Bishnucharan Panda, D. Garg, Digdarshan Pattnaik, Umakant Nayak, Manoj Rath, Bishnudatta Das, and others.
They not only enjoyed the pakhala meal but also shared their thoughts on its nutritional value and health benefits. They explained that even Lord Jagannath, the eternal deity worshipped by Odias, consumes pakhala — a spiritual fact meant to inspire pride in this traditional dish. Under the guidance of Trust President Ranjita Padhi and Secretary Rajesh Debata, the Pakhala Dibasa event was successfully conducted.
