The Cook's Adventures
Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Konark, Odisha, India
The Taste of Odisha
-some examples:
Dalma-The wholesome food of Odisha
Dalma is essentially dal (lentil) cooked with an assortment of vegetables and spices. Apart from being a part of the main course, people relish the dish with a variety of dishes like Dalma with Pitha (local pancake), Dalma with Vada (fried lentil cake). The high protein and healthy dish is the most essential component of any Odia meal.
Pakhala-The coolest food of Odisha
Pakhala is essentially rice which is fermented overnight with water and consumed with an accompaniment of fried vegetables and fish. Pakhala is the food for an Odia especially during the summers. The food is known to be a preventive for heat stroke- which is quite prevalent in the region during the summers and some researchers opine that it’s the only food which has vitamins for the nerve cells.
Pitha -The food for the occasion
Pitha is essentially cereal based steamed cake. It’s the food for any occasion from the perspective of an Odia household. The dish has many variants and much sought after amongst them are ChakuliPitha, PodaPitha, Monda, etc.
An insight into Odisha Culture
Odisha has a glorious tradition of music. The figures or dancers and musicians carved on ancient temple walls, speak of Odisha's rich musical heritage. Odissi Music is a classical form consisting of all the necessary ingredients common to Hindustani and Karnatic Music. Odissi sangita is a synthesis of four classes of music, i.e. dhruvapada, chitrapada, chitrakala and panchal, described in two treatises namely, Sangita Sarani and Sangita Narayana written in the early 19th century. It owes much to Jayadev, the saint-poet, the great composer and illustrious master of classical music.
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar replaced Cuttack as the capital on 19 August 1949, 2 years after India gained its independence from Britain. The modern city was designed by the German architect Otto Königsberger in 1946. Being the capital city, the place eventually got an infrastructure boost, which led to the growth in communication, transport, sports, education and health facilities; and rose to become one of the foremost, to be found suitable for being developed as a smart city of India.
Balasore
Balasore, is the economic and cultural hub of Northern Odisha. During the British regime, Balasore came under the purview of the Bengal Presidency. It came back to being an integral part of Odisha formally when the state was created on 1st April 1936.
Konark
The Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Odisha Temple Architecture and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a culmination of seven hundred years of grind in search of perfection. Built in the 12th Century AD by King Narasimha Deva I and dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple at Konark continues to leave us spellbound with its massive structure, symmetry, precision and intricate detailing.
So, why is Odisha touted as incredible India's Best Kept Secret? What is it about the places, people, landscape, art, culture and history that is so enthralling? What makes Odisha the land of cathartic spiritual experiences, intricate art and immortal architecture regaling timeless tales, beaches, cuisines, landscapes and wildlife?
Come with us and find out!