Quintessentially Yours

Statistics would more than authenticate the claims of the quintessential Odia, that luxury lies in the ability of indulging in a siesta after the bowlful of Pakhala. Describing the Pakhala would need competencies of a higher order in any language other than Odia owing to the status of the former being un- bounded and armed with its famed soporific effects which, on unleashing, can lull millions to sleep vindicated abundantly by the cities and towns in the afternoon. The various genres ranging from fresh to being kept overnight or being embellished with curd and being garnished with seasonings, the signature dish has managed to appease the hungry millions besides grabbing headlines and hoardings in recent times towards tickling the palates of the affluent with its tangy taste. With the advent of summer, numerous restaurants and eateries announce its presence with the scientifically inclined endorsing its capabilities of restoring the much-needed electrolytes to counter the soaring mercury. While its simplicity lies in having the grains of rice soulfully caressed in their bed of liquid, the latter flaunting of an enviable diversity. Having attained a cult status typifying odias across the world it has acquired recognition as the most favoured gastronomic delight of the state across all ages managing to unite millions also because of the innumerable assortments, ranging from the humble dried lentil balls lovingly called badi , to saaga, to the more exotic meat and prawn delicacies each greeted with a panache that is hard to beat.

Reputed to celebrate thirteen celebrations and festivals the innocuous Khatti or the innocent gossip that reverberates across villages’ and cities every balmy summer evening as the favoured pastime for men while the delectable pan accompanies the conversation of the fairer sex. Encompassing topics ranging from cinema to Obama cricket to politics the rising tenor indicating the inimitable vigor and fervor of each participant and probably challenge online chatting in the virtual world. Lord Jagannath the presiding of Puri being the custodian to counter each catastrophes and calamities threatening to annihilate the lives of millions who willingly submit their existence with an innocent ``Jay Jagannath`` the sonorous lilt of which maybe attributed to the bhangha -eating culture of the city of the lord, also famed for its d sweets and bhog.

As the Jatra and Opera jostle for space with celluloid with each of the former still retaining their flavor more so in the tiny hamlets, especially warming many a autumn and winter night whipping up emotions musically casting a spell on the psyche of the simple people whose resilience has evoked national and international admiration. It was probably the lack of efforts, which caused the erosion of the Pala and the Daskathiya , two great forms of entertainment, in a state reputed to attract millions, for its mellifluous Odissi music and dance.

While the Global scenario looks in awe at the gossamer weaves adorning the fashionnistas of the world and the fine filigree captivates the eye of millions of connoisseurs’ the Dhoti probably being the original flexible dry-fit enviably accommodating men of any size presently being reduced to only being a fashion statement .The rapidly vanishing Jhoti too, commonly seen on wall and floors is becoming a fading adornment. Changing taste buds have continued to haunt the delicate taste of the innumerable pithas of the Odias, now making their presence felt more in annual events.

 Fading vanishing art forms traditions or prevalent customs reflect the failure of timely interventions. As the wheels of the famous Black pagoda besieges our support to thwart good things from receding into the background and prevent their disappearance by accommodating them lets` work towards spreading diversity for a harmonious cause.