Pakhala Paraba Festival
Odisha Tourism is promoting 'Pakhala Paraba 2026' on March 19–20 at Panthanivas in Bhubaneswar, including a world-record attempt for Pakhala Bhata plus expert talks and culinary exhibitions celebrating the fermented rice dish. The post drew 127 likes as enthusiasts flagged the food-focused programming. (x.com)
The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation has previously hosted state-level Pakhala programmes that featured senior officials such as Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida as a chief guest. (Orissapost.com ) Chef Abinas Nayak assembled a Pakhala showcase of more than 190 distinct dishes in March 2025, an event widely reported as a record-style culinary spread and cited by national outlets. (Timesnownews.com ) Odisha Tourism’s official site runs dedicated Pakhala coverage and highlights the OTDC hospitality network as platforms for curated culinary exhibitions and heritage programming. (Odishatourism.gov.in Odishatourism.gov.in ) The modern observance of a Pakhala commemorative day traces to a community campaign that began in 2015, after which state press and TV began annual coverage of large-scale Pakhala events. (NewIndianExpress.com ) Odisha Tourism’s promotional posts have previously provoked online criticism, including a 2019 controversy over promoting the Gujarati dance 'Dandiya' on official channels and separate public complaints about language use involving OTDC figures. (Enewsinsight.com Odishatv.in )
