Apart from air conditioners and cotton garments, summer drinks would be instrumental in helping city folks beat the heat during outdoor hours of summer months
BHUBANESWAR: It’s mid-March and the sun is flexing its muscles already. City folks are spoilt for choice as to which air conditioner or cooler to install at their homes. Apart from electronic equipments however, summer drinks would be instrumental in helping denizens beat the heat in peak summer months.
Orissa Post interacted with a few Lassi, Bel Pana and Chanch stall owners in the city to delve deeper into the subject. Lingaraj Lassi is one of the most popular destinations in the city for Lassi lovers. The huge stall was started by Harihar Sahu.
Bijay, one of the Lassi-maker in the stall, said, “The sun is getting hotter by the day. Nothing is more healthy and tasty than a glass of Lassi in a hot summer day. The ingredients are Rabdi, scrapped coconut, cheery and cashew for topping. We also have options for those who are diabetic. We serve them sugar-free Lassi. We serve around 3000 glasses a day.”
Tapasi Dei, a resident of Balkati who is famous for her homemade Rabdi seems to be back in business as she said, “Nobody seems to have time for making Rabdi at home. The process is tough and intricate. One has to keep stirring it during preparation or else it would be burnt. Many Lassi stalls buy Rabdi from me.”
Sudhakar of Jai Jaganath Lassi and Juice centre near State Museum offers something unique to its customers. He often adds chocolate sauce and vanilla ice-cream. Monalisha Gayatri, a mother of two, said, “I am a resident at Rath Sahi. The stall is quite far from my place. However, I come here often to pack Lassi for my kids.”
Ganesh Sahoo of Maa Mangala Mati Lassi serves the beverage in earthen glasses. He stores Lassi in cool earthen pots. Apart from the Lassi stalls, a Bela Pana centre at Ghatikia Chhaka is another major crowd puller during summer months.The recipe is very simple where Ripe Bela (Aegle Marmelos) is crushed and mixed with a dash of Black Pepper powder, Chhena, tiny banana pieces, jaggery, yogurt, cardamom, cashews and freshly grated coconut.
The conventional stalls would however be challenged by the numerous mango juice stalls located near every mall, market and railway station. Instead of using real mangoes, the owners use ripe mango essence which is mixed with sugar and ice and serve chilled. Coconut water would also be the go-to drink during hot days.
Sagarika Mishra, a leading dietician and nutritionist in Bhubaneswar said, “These drinks are safer compared to cold drinks, colas and other fizz drinks. People should avoid processed drinks as they can damage liver in the long term. Bela Pana and coconut water is an antidote for sun stroke and a must during summer. Mati Handi Dahi and Lassi are good for health too.”
Interaction with city folks and nutritionists depicts a clear picture of the impending high temperatures during summer months. In this scenario, cool drinks would provide much needed relief during outdoor hours.