Chhad Khai –an ode to
the Odia foodie
As the sanctimonious nip in the air resonates
with Naam- kirtans, with the reverberations echoing blowing conches, and temple
bells Odias respectfully herald the pious month of Kartik after bidding adieu
to Goddess Durga. As careful hands artfully decorate the Tulsi Chauras with beautiful
colourful, tributes depicting the three deities Jagannath Balabhadra and
Subhadra with dry rice flour mixed with colour the holy month of Kartik unfolds
its mystic sensibilities by beckoning every Odia to cleanse, control and
fortify themselves spiritually through a month long period of abstinence and
rituals.
The celebrations
acquire a special meaning for the thousands of Habishyalis (devotees) thronging
the temple city of Puri. Thriving on a frugal meal once a day comprising of
rice and habisha Daal, thousands of ardent devotees are caught in the frenzied
pace of sacred rituals with the darshan of the various appearances of the lord
and adding the much desired spiritual fervour.
Culminating with the sacred five day period of Panchaka
devoted to the worship of Tulsi Awala Shiva and the sun Kartik Purnima
or Dev purnima marking the victory of
Lord Shiva over the demon Tripuri . Besides being accepted as the
most propitious days for worshipping Shiva, next only to the Maha Shivaratri the
full moon day assumes deep spiritual and religious meanings in the life of
every devout Hindu. While Panchaka sees a steep rise in the prices of greens and
vegetables the increased sales of sweet potatoes, Oou saaru and saaga indicate
their inclusion in the special diet.
It always augurs well for followers of faith when
science and religion merge. Restraining from a spicy diet, rich in animal proteins
helps the body as per Ayurveda principles negating the ill effects of pitta,
predominant in sharad. A vegetable
enriched diet not only helps cleanse the body of toxins but practicing rituals
and ceremonies also help regulate metabolism apart from deepening resolve and spirituality.
Further the early morning dip in water bodies whether sacred or local are
believed to aid in supplying the much-required Vitamin D especially at the
crack of dawn. Welcoming winter, and the marriage season the last day of Kartik
also marks the last day to take Ganga Snana , besides being revered as the birth
day of Guru Nanak. The day also sees the
sailing of the Boita or paper boats by many as a symbol to bring prosperity
into their lives an extension of ancient custom, which saw merchants of the
state setting sail on far off voyages for trade.
As the resplendent glow of Kartik Purnima
enchants and blesses the holy, it`s enthusiastic welcome of Chaad Khai is
warmly received by every Odia. Ushering the festive mood by sharply swerving
away from the period of restraint Chhad Khai unleashes a long and famed trail
of gastronomic delights with unmatched liveliness across households.
The thronging crowds, jostling
for space in front of the butcher shop or the fish market openly reflect the desires
of the Odia Foodie. Opening a cornucopia of non vegetarian delights with a
tantalizing array of dishes including the much loved Macha Besara with the
fried fish appetizingly nestling in a bed of tangy spicy mustard curry, to
Kasha Mangsha famed to leave a fiery trail of aroma and taste as the mutton
melts in the mouth with the delicious Kankada(Crab) Kukuda (Chicken) and prawn
(Chingudi)curries appease and tease the
taste buds enticingly .Fish remains close to the Odia palate since ancient
times and hence its natural habitat the water considered worthy to be revered .
With rural belts strongly believing that one takes
rebirth, as a crane if one doesn’t adhere to custom chad khaai being a
delicious deviation from austerity invites every Odia to delve into the lavish fanfare
with gay abandon. Not only is the
festivity celebrated in the state and nation but also across the Odia diaspora
as well. The predominantly non -vegetarian food festival reinforces and
enriches tradition custom besides strengthening roots and cultural
transcendence. With commercial offerings becoming increasingly attractive in
recent times, vindicated by many city-based eateries announcing weeklong celebrations,
reflecting strong departures from norms, and festivities crossing thresholds and
the hearth gaining momentum under the garb of neo practices.
As Kartik
Poornima ushers Chhad Khai and Balijatra celebrations, with Prathamashtami and the
weekly Marga shira Guruvaar eagerly awaiting in the wings to bless each Odia
threshold with happiness and prosperity let the joyous pride and respect for a
rich legacy blossom forth in profusion spreading the fragrance of joy and unity
amongst one and all.
