Pakhala Bhata — The Summer Staple
Pakhala Bhata (ପଖାଳ ଭାତ) is fermented rice soaked in water — Odisha's answer to the summer heat. This humble dish is so beloved that it has its own day of celebration: Pakhala Dibasa (March 20).
What Is Pakhala?
Pakhala is simply:
- ✦Cooked rice + Water + Time (fermentation)
When rice is soaked overnight, beneficial bacteria ferment it, creating a slightly tangy, cooling dish that's more nutritious than plain rice.
"Pakhala is not just food — it's Odisha's summer survival strategy."
Types of Pakhala
| Type | Preparation | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Basi Pakhala | Overnight fermented | Tangy, probiotic-rich |
| Saja Pakhala | Fresh, same-day | Mild, simple |
| Dahi Pakhala | With curd | Creamy, tangy |
| Jeera Pakhala | With cumin tempering | Aromatic |
The Complete Pakhala Meal
Pakhala is never eaten alone. The traditional accompaniments include:
Non-Vegetarian
- ✦Macha Bhaja — Fried fish (must-have!)
- ✦Sukhua — Dried fish
Vegetarian
- ✦Saga Bhaja — Fried leafy greens
- ✦Badi Chura — Crispy lentil fritters
- ✦Aloo Bharta — Mashed potato
- ✦Baingan Bhaja — Fried eggplant
- ✦Kankad Bhaja — Fried raw banana
Chutneys
- ✦Tomato Chutney
- ✦Ambula (dried mango pickle)
- ✦Amba Khatta (raw mango chutney)
Health Benefits
Fermented Pakhala offers:
- ✦Probiotics — Good gut bacteria
- ✦Vitamin B12 — Produced during fermentation
- ✦Cooling effect — Natural body coolant
- ✦Hydration — Rice water replenishes fluids
- ✦Easy digestion — Fermentation breaks down starch
Pakhala Dibasa
On March 20 every year, Odias worldwide celebrate Pakhala Dibasa:
- ✦Schools and offices close for lunch
- ✦Families eat Pakhala together
- ✦Social media filled with Pakhala photos
- ✦Restaurants serve special Pakhala thalis
How to Make Pakhala
Basic Recipe
- ✦Cook rice (slightly overcooked)
- ✦Spread on a plate to cool
- ✦Add water (room temperature)
- ✦Cover and leave overnight
- ✦Next day, add salt
- ✦Serve with accompaniments
Quick Dahi Pakhala
- ✦Take cooled rice
- ✦Add curd and water
- ✦Mix well
- ✦Add salt and cumin
- ✦Ready to serve!
Cultural Significance
Pakhala represents:
- ✦Simplicity — The humility of Odia cuisine
- ✦Community — Always shared
- ✦Wisdom — Traditional cooling in hot climate
- ✦Identity — "If you haven't had Pakhala, you haven't known Odisha"
Where to Experience
- ✦Any Odia household in summer
- ✦Dalma Restaurant, Bhubaneswar
- ✦Hotels in Puri during summer
- ✦Odia festivals anywhere in the world
Related: Famous Foods of Odisha • Chhena Poda