-Satyakam Ray

Lyadhkhor is a term used to refer to Bengalis who are generally perceived as lazy. Those who master the art of doing nothing are often considered suitable candidates for the label of lyadhkhors. Idle sleeping for extended periods and failing to complete the expected task on time are characteristics of lyadhkhors. It doesn’t mean that the lyadhkhors can’t complete any job. They are master procrastinators capable of doing anything thrown at them if they are pushed in the right direction.

Though the term lyadhkhor is endemic to Bengalis, it’s still ideally suited to Odias. Odias are more prone to lyadh than Bengalis. Give any job to an Odia, and it’s rare to see them complete it on time without any last-minute hiccups. Why only Bengali or Odia? This trait of finishing the task at the last moment runs through every Indian’s blood. If procrastination were a religion, every Indian would be a devout follower, to some extent.

Returning to the Pakhala link, every non-Odisha resident should know that Odisha has an exceptional food endemic: Pakhala. Pakhala is a traditional dish where cooked rice is served in a slightly watery liquid. In other words, it is also known as rice water. To such an extent that March 20 is celebrated as World Pakhala Day. Every Odia, even if not publicly admitted, relishes pakhala. After the quiet, soul-satisfying meal, the thirst is quenched by drinking the Torani. (I can’t explain the charm of this to non-odias). The effect of Torani is similar to that of drinking beer. The person will fall asleep sooner or later- guaranteed.

Eating pakhala is a quintessential Odia tradition. But does that make the person lyadhkhor? The answer is 50-50. Of course, the Torani makes the person slightly sluggish, and productivity drops considerably. However, whether someone is a lyadhkhor or not depends on the person involved—their nature, surroundings, and exposure level help determine how they cope with procrastination.

The person’s internal dynamics play a huge role in the Lyadh process. Pakhala is just a trigger to sleep or procrastination. In a proper Odia way of thinking, what else does one need in scorching heat – a bowl of Pakhala sprinkled with curd or lemon, a few side dishes (vegetarian or non-vegetarian), and a mattress? Life seems complete in every possible way. Trust the author- every non-odia should at least try it once in their lifetime. If you ever encounter an odia restaurant, check if pakhala is available. It would be better if an odia companion were present with you.

Besides the trivialities, one severe incident warrants mention here. Following the devastating super cyclone in 1999, a group of Gujarati men visited the most affected Jagatsinghpur district to distribute relief as a humanitarian gesture. They came across a group of Odia men playing poker in the middle of nowhere, near the debris. It was beyond their thinking that anyone could remain careless or cheerful after such a colossal loss! The incident is 100% true and was read by the author in a magazine approximately 15-20 years ago. This incident showcased the extent to which a few Odias can pursue lyadh. Generalizing all odias into that category is foolish, so it’s advisable to refrain.

Note: It’s a light-hearted blog, after all. As an Odia, the author attempted to portray everyone accurately. So don’t take offense, even if it’s slightly self-critical of Odias.