Pakhala Day Celebrated with Record Attempt in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha marked Pakhala Day with a grand celebration of its traditional cuisine as the state-level Pakhala Paraba was held at Panthanivas, drawing large participation and highlighting the cultural significance of the iconic dish.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the programme and underscored the importance of preserving traditional food practices, describing pakhala as a symbol of Odisha’s heritage, sustainability, and lifestyle.

The highlight of the event was an ambitious attempt to enter the Guinness World Records, with the preparation of 1,177 kg of pakhala using 850 kg of rice. The initiative showcased the scale and popularity of the dish while drawing attention from visitors and food enthusiasts.

Emphasising the spirit of inclusivity, the organisers distributed the prepared pakhala among over 2,000 people from underprivileged communities, reinforcing the social and community-oriented essence of the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted the nutritional and ecological value of pakhala, noting that it is a probiotic-rich and zero-waste food, well-suited to the summer season and aligned with sustainable living practices.

He further observed that the celebration of Pakhala Day has transcended geographical boundaries, with Odias across India and abroad embracing it as a shared cultural identity.

The event also featured a large-scale food festival with around 326 traditional Odia dishes, offering a glimpse into the state’s diverse culinary traditions. The Chief Minister visited various stalls and joined attendees in partaking of the traditional meal.

Among those present were Surama Padhy, Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Pravati Parida, and Anu Garg.

The celebration also witnessed virtual participation from Odias living in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, and Singapore, underlining the growing global recognition of Odisha’s traditional cuisine.