Ash Gourd In Odia | Ash Gourd in Hindi

Ash Gourd in odia Known as Pani Pakharu. Some parts of Odisha it is known as Petha also. it is also known as white melon or white pumpkin.

In Hindi Ash Gourd is known as Petha.

Pani Kakharu in English

In English Pani Kakharu is known as Ash Gourd.

Ash Gourd or Pani kakharu In Odia Tradition.

In odia tradition and cooking Ash Gourd takes a special place. Variou types of cusines made from this vegetable. There is a myth about this vegetable. The women who have only one son, they are prohibitted from cutiing this vegetable.

ପେଠା, also known as 'ବୁଦ୍ଧିମାନ ଫଳ' (the wise fruit) in Odia, holds a special place in Odia culture and cuisine. It is used in various traditional dishes and rituals. In Odisha, it is offered to deities during religious ceremonies and festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali. The humble Ash Gourd is not just a vegetable but a symbol of purity and auspiciousness in Odia traditions.

Some Cusines from Ash Gourd

Other Vegetable Names in odia

In Odia cuisine, Ash Gourd finds its way into various dishes, both savory and sweet. Here are some popular preparations:

Petha Chana Dal(ପାଣି କଖାରୁ ବୁଟ ଡାଲି ):

A delicious and comforting lentil curry made with Ash Gourd cubes and lentils. The Ash Gourd cubed cooked with Chana dal and then given a tadka with Indian spices like cumin seeds, onion and Tomatoo.

Petha Mug(ପାଣି କଖାରୁ ମୁଗ ଡାଲି ):

Ash Gourd and moong dal (green gram) curry seasoned with aromatic spices.

Petha Rasabari(ପାଣି କଖାରୁ ରସବରୀ):

A sweet dish prepared with Ash Gourd, sugar, and milk, often enjoyed during festivals.

Petha Poda ( ପାଣି କଖାରୁ ପୋଡ଼ା):

A unique dessert where Ash Gourd slices are marinated in jaggery and baked to perfection.

Nutritional Benifits of Ash Gourd

Ash Gourd (ପାଣି କଖାରୁ) is not only culturally significant but also packed with essential nutrients.

Low in Calories:

Ash Gourd is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Rich in Fiber:

It is a good source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Ash Gourd is rich in vitamins like Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and minerals like calcium and potassium.

Prevents Dehydration:

With a high water content, it helps keep the body hydrated, especially during hot summers.

Detoxification:

It is known for its detoxifying properties, helping to flush out toxins from the body.

Anti-Inflammatory:

The antioxidants in Ash Gourd have anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting overall health.

Conclusion:

In Odia culture and cuisine, Ash Gourd or ପେଠା holds a special place. Its cultural significance, combined with its numerous health benefits and culinary versatility, makes it a valuable ingredient in Odia households. Whether enjoyed in savory dishes or sweet treats, Ash Gourd is a treasure trove of flavor and nutrition that continues to be cherished in Odisha. So, the next time you savor a dish with Ash Gourd, remember the rich cultural heritage and health benefits it brings to your plate.