With the onset of winters, all Odia households are spotlessly cleaned and prepped for the upcoming festivities. After all, there is no season as hectic as winter for Odias in terms of festivities. From Durga Puja to Prathamashtami and Manabasa Gurubaar, it is fair to say that almost every week there is a festival in Odisha during winters. And needless to say, these festivals bring with them an assortment of delicacies to be relished. However, as December is almost here, let’s shift our focus to Manabasa Gurubaar for now.
As an Odia, the quintessential December breakfast on Thursdays was two giant Manda Pithas along with a bowl of Chaula Kheeri on the side. And lunch was a heap of Kanika along with Niramisa Dalma (Dalma without onion and garlic). The reason? The holy Thursdays for Odias are colloquially known as Manabasa Gurubaar. The Odia women worship Goddess Laxmi by filling a bamboo pot with freshly harvested paddy, decorating the house with rangolis made with rice paste and offering delicacies to the deity. As we are a group of foodies, it is obvious that our focus will be on the delicious array of foods prepared and offered on Manabasa Gurubaar. Here’s a list of them.
1. Kanika
A sweet and savoury rice dish offered to Lord Jagannath as one of the Chhappan Bhogs, Kanika is quintessentially prepared and offered to Goddess Laxmi on Manabasa Gurbaar. The dish is offered as the Sakala Bhoga (morning Prasad) to the deity and is savoured for lunch.
2. Manda Pitha
Needless to say, Manda Pitha is a must-have in Odia households during festivals. For the unversed, Manda Pitha are steamed dumplings made with an exterior made with rice that are stuffed with a coconut and jaggery mixture.
3. Chaula Kheeri
A quintessential festive dessert in Indian households, kheer is also offered to the Goddess on Manabasa Gurubaar. The consistency of Chaula Kheeri is thicker than regular kheer and the dish is popularly savoured with the Mnada Pithas.
4. Niramisa Dalma
A plate of Kanika and a bowl of Niramisa Dalma is a food combo that all Odias swear by. The dalma is enriched with grated coconut and whole spices and is a dish to die for.
Now that you know the delicious foods prepared in Odia households every Thursday in December, you know why most Odias are die-hard foodies. Also, don’t forget to try these delicacies at home.
