Aitiha Pritibhojana presents Pakhala Dibasa ପଖାଳ ଦିବସ

Pakhala Dibasa is the day when Odias in Odisha and across the world proudly flaunt and celebrate their love for Pakhala (fermented rice), a perfect summer dish for a tropical state. It’s featured among the chappan bhog offered to Sri Jagannath. 20^th March Pakhala Dibasa as a movement was initiated on social media around a decade ago & from then, it has never looked back. Pakhala dish can be of various flavours like Saja Pakhala, Dahi Pakhala, Basi Pakhal etc & can be savoured with a variety of veg & non-veg spreads alongside.  The day is dedicated to promoting this traditional dish of tropical Odisha and emphasizing its cultural and nutritional significance.

Pritibhojana (meaning community feast in Odia) is an attempt by Aitiha to spread the rich Odia culinary tradition through curated community feast event. This time Aitiha Pritibhojana seeks to celebrate Pakhala Dibasa ପଖାଳ ଦିବସ with its guests on a fine Sunday on 15^th March 2026 in collaboration with Machharanka – the fish specialty restaurant, based in Bhubaneswar. There shall be both veg & non-veg delicacies option available along with Pakhala Bhata, served in traditional Pakhala Kansa (bell metal).

Event Date: 15th March 2026 (Sunday)

Guests Entry: 12.30 PM onwards

Duration: 2 hours 

The event shall start with a traditional welcome drink, followed by a main course homely Pakhala Lunch celebrating Pakhala Dibasa at around 1.00 PM. In between there shall be interactive session with the Owner of Machharanka Restaurant regarding the various cuisines served & its recipe. 

Food Preference: Pick any one from the Odia styled home cooked Veg* Pakhala & Non-veg Pakhala options available

Charges per head: For charges, please get in touch with us via our WhatsApp message # 09861288166 or mail at infoaitiha@gmail.com. 

For event details, click https://aitiha.com/event/pritibhojana

Registration & payment are open till 6PM of 11^th March 2025 (Wed) subject to availability of seats.

For registration & payment, please use/click on the link https://aitiha.com/event-registration/ & choose Pakhala Dibasa event from the drop-down event options available.

Menu for Pakhala Dibasa ପଖାଳ ଦିବସ

Ghola Dahi ଘୋଳ ଦହି (Spiced butter milk) served as welcome drink

Dahi Pakhala ଦହି ପଖାଳ (Fermented rice moistened with added yoghurt)

Aloo Chakata ଆଳୁ ଚକଟା (Spicy mashed potato without choonk)

Badhi Chura ବଢି ଚୁରା (Crushed urad dal badhi with added spices)

Masala Bhendi ମସଲା ଭେଣ୍ଡି (Tawa fried stuffed okra)  

Saga Bhaja ଶାଗ ଭଜା  (Stir-fried green amaranth/leutia leaves)

Rasi Pampada ରାଶି ପାମ୍ପଡ (Fried urad dal papad with sprinkled sesame)

Luna Pani ଲୁଣ ପାଣି (Odia styled salad with lemon, salt, green chilli, cucumber & onion)

>> Additional for veg seekers

Nadia Bara ନଡିଆ ବରା (Tawa fried coconut fritter)

Mati Aloo Pithau Bhaja ମାଟି ଆଳୁ ପିଠୋଉ ଭଜା  (Tawa fried yam with rice flour paste)

>> Additional for non-veg seekers

Rohi Machha Bhaja ରୋହି ମାଛ ଭଜା  (Fried Rohu fish with masala paste)

Chingudi Checha ଚିଙ୍ଗୁଡି ଛେଚା (Crushed roasted prawns)

Don’t forget to enjoy the torani (liquid part of the Pakhala) at the last

Guidelines for this event – Seats & space are limited at the venue house. You can ping us to know the availability of seats before paying & subsequent registration through our portal’s event registration page. Last moment registration plan needs prior calling at 9861288166 for vacancy status. No walk-ins allowed. & once booked, cancellation option not applicable for this event. Since, the Veg & Non-veg Pakhala meals are of two different rates, hence once you choose kindly stick to it. Seating arrangement for the lunch on the floor is in traditional Odia style talapatra asanas (palm leaf mats). No pickup & drop-down facilities available for this event, however parking facilities are available nearby at vehicle owner’s wish.

Your registration automatically confirms your acknowledgment of our Terms & Conditions, Do’s & Don’ts & Privacy Policy. Our event will be of limited seats only; hence book early & get a confirmation from us.

Suggested route to venue from Ravi Talkies Square>> Bindu Sagar North chowk>> Kedar Gouri Lane>> St Xavier’s School >> Kotitirtha Lane on the right-side gully>> Siddhi Mandap>>Plot 3167 Aitiha venue.

In case of any further queries, you may contact us via email at infoaitiha@gmail.com or WhatsApp us at 9861288166

Note- * Side dishes are with onion & garlic

Happy Pakhala Dibasa in advance !