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Chadakhai is the unique culture of Odisha that is celebrated on the next day of Kartika Purnima. The month of Kartik is considered sacred in the Odia tradition. It is observed that several people do not consume non-veg food during the whole month. The word Chadakhai means having some food after a duration. Some people do not consume non-veg food during this whole month of Kartik, and they consume non-vegetables on the very next day when Kartik month ends.
What are the Necessary Rituals of Chadakhai?
It is necessary to know the Kartik month observation to appreciate the festival of Chadakhai. Kartik month is considered one of the holiest months in the Odia Tradition in the Hindu calendar. The story involves rituals related to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This month, the Odia devote themselves to avoiding eating non-vegetable foods, such as onion and garlic.
It has also been noticed that many people have stayed away from meat, fish, and eggs for this whole month as a sign of devotion and respect. Many people believe that this month’s purity will offer prosperity and blessing.
What is the History behind the Traditions of Chadakhai?
History says that this ritual starts with the Bali Jatra festival. With the age-old spice routes, it is said that around mid-November, when the wind changes its direction, the sailors and the fisherman get ready to set their sail.
The farewell of these fishermen and traders is celebrated with the big fest that features the best fish, crab, prawn, and meat in the coastal areas of Odisha. In mid-November, the meat is good, and the fish will move towards the coastal area. This time is marked as chadakhai. Many historians believe that this festival, chadakhai, marks the start of the winter season.
How do Odia People Celebrate this Day?
In Odisha, people celebrate Chadakhai with considerable passion, cooking a wide range of non-vegetarian meals. The sound of laughter and the scent of spices fill homes as families gather to savour foods they have not had for an entire month. The cuisine of Chadakhai is its essence. Traditional non-vegetarian foods that are frequently consumed on this day include the following.
Mutton Curry (Mansa Jhola):
Mutton curry is a popular dish on Chadakhai because of its spicy taste and soft flesh. This dish’s rich gravy, which is slow-cooked with a mixture of spices, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, goes well with roti or steamed rice. One thing that Odias looks forward to is seeing mutton curry boiling on the stove, which is a special way to mark the end of Kartik.
Ghanta Mudhi:
Mudhi ghanta is yet another well-liked non-vegetarian cuisine in Odisha. This well-known dish consists of chana dal and fish cooked with green veggies. Because Odisha is a coastal state in the east, its people have a particular fondness for seafood. This dish, affectionately referred to as fish head chickpea curry, is frequently served at wedding receptions. Odisha has a lot of fish dishes, but this one is the most unique.
Fish Curry (Macha Besara):
Odisha has a lot of fish because it is near the coast. Fish curry is a popular dish that is cooked with mustard paste, green chillies, and a small amount of turmeric. Macha Besara, or fish in mustard curry, is a common dish in Odia homes and is a must-have on Chadakhai because of its zesty and spicy flavour.
Kukuda Jhola, or chicken curry:
Another popular dish is chicken curry, which is typically prepared in an old-fashioned way using a blend of yoghurt, tomatoes, and spices for richness. This meal pairs well with rice or pakhala, also called fermented rice water, and it is mild but tasty.
Kankada Jhola or Crab Curry:
Kankada Jhola is a well-known crab curry in Odia cuisine with a large following. As previously they have stated, Odisha residents are unable to refuse seafood. This curry is made with a combination of several spices that go well with hot rice.
How to Explore the Cuisine of Chadakhai?
Chadakhai is the only single meat festival for the people of Odisha. This festival connects people from every part of Odisha and allows them to enjoy the flavours of their land by celebrating this unique culture and Odia Tradition.
