By Vikash Kumar Sharma

Cuttack: A simple Odia meal of DahiPakhala and saga bhaja or tarkari holds a special place in Maha Dashami rituals at several Durga Puja mandaps in Cuttack. The traditional meal reflects Odisha’s food culture and the belief that Goddess Durga should be offered familiar, simple food with a calming effect before bidding her farewell.

While bhog offerings vary across puja committees, the tradition of offering curd-mixed rice to the Goddess on Dashami is a distinctive feature of celebrations at Cuttack’s Gopalpur Durga Puja Mandap. Several committees, including Ranihat, also offered DahiPakhala to the deity and distributed it among devotees.

Made with fermented rice and curd, DahiPakhala is valued for its cooling properties. Served with saga bhaja or tarkari, prepared with leafy greens, pulses and vegetables, it represents the simplicity of traditional Odia cuisine. Together, the dishes symbolise nourishment, humility and gratitude for nature’s bounty.

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The tradition stems from the belief that Maa Durga, worshipped as a daughter returning to her parental home during the festival, should be offered familiar, home-style food. It is also believed that Dahi Pakhala helps calm the Goddess after her fierce battle with Mahishasura. The offering expresses affection and devotion before bidding her farewell on Dashami.

Priest Sankar Das of Gopalpur Durga Puja Mandap said the offering was associated with the Goddess’s return to a peaceful state before her farewell. He explained that Aparajita Puja, performed on the final day, celebrates the invincible nature of the Goddess and expresses gratitude for her victory over Mahishasura. Dahi Pakhala is subsequently offered as part of the Dashami observances.

The preparation goes beyond the simple combination of rice, curd and water. Ginger, cumin powder, green chilli paste, lemon juice, black pepper, coriander leaves and mint paste are among the ingredients that enhance its flavour.

Meanwhile, CDA Sector 9 Puja Mandap organised Surya Puja, Aparajita Puja and a yajna, attracting devotees for the religious ceremonies. The committee has been celebrating Durga Puja annually since 2002.

As part of its community service, the committee served Dahi Pakhala to devotees, with around 2,000 people participating in the initiative.

The organisers also emphasised environmentally responsible celebrations by discouraging polythene use and promoting eco-friendly practices. They advocated an alcohol-free immersion procession to ensure the concluding rituals remained peaceful and disciplined.