BHUBANESWAR: Odisha on Friday created a history by preparing 1,174 kg of ‘Pakhala’ and securing the Guinness World Record for the ‘largest serving of fermented rice (Pakhala)’.
The record was achieved by the Odisha Tourism during celebration of ‘Pakhala Parba’ event here on the day. The fermented rice was prepared using 850 kg of rice and presented with 326 varieties of Odia dishes, showcasing state’s rich culinary heritage and agricultural diversity. The food was later distributed to over 2,000 people from underprivileged communities as part of the ‘Pakhala Parba’.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who joined the celebration at Panthanivas in Bhubaneswar, along with deputy chief ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida and other officials, said, “This accomplishment reflects our commitment to promoting Odisha’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage. It is a proud moment for every Odia, as we take our timeless traditions from local to global, further strengthening Odisha’s identity as a hub of cultural and gastronomic excellence.”
He said that Pakhala is not just food but an inseparable part of Odisha’s culture and tradition. He said that the main objective of observing ‘Pakhala Day’ is to promote Odia cuisine globally. “In today’s growing influence of Western food culture, this day serves to unite Odias and ensure that traditional food is not forgotten,” he said.
Recalling his childhood memories associated with Pakhala, the chief minister, who hails from a tribal family, said that it is not just a food for the poor, but also a favourite of Lord Jagannath. “In the Shree Jagannath Temple, ‘Tanka Torani’ and Pakhala are offered as bhog to the Lord of the Universe. This simple offering reflects the purity of a simple lifestyle,” he said.
Majhi said that Odias living across India and abroad celebrate this day with pride. Pakhala has become a means of connecting Odias living overseas with their roots. It is a matter of pride that our culture is reaching every corner of the world,” he said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to farmers and urged the younger generation to understand the value of Odia traditions. He said Pakhala Day has become an integral part of the government’s vision of a ‘Developed Odisha’ and preserving ancient culture while moving towards modernity is his government’s core objective.
During the event, the chief minister interacted virtually with non-resident Odias from Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Singapore and other countries. Chefs promoting Odia cuisine at national and international levels were also felicitated. He also went around the Odia food festival at Panthavivas and appreciated the 326 varieties of Odia dishes that had been prepared and served to the visitors.