Bela Pana

It's that time of year,

we celebrate with fervor, 

drinking refreshing beverage, 

as we change Odia calendar. (Panjika)

Bela Pana...

A juice made from bael, (wood apple)

from favorite tree of lord Shiva,

adding various condiments,

to enhance its deliciousness.

I love to eat ripe fruit,

cracking them wide open, 

scooping surfaces with spoon,

and having it directly. 

Then, we extract the pulp,

and put it in a large bowl,

mash to separate seeds & fibers,

strain the rest using filters.

We can dilute the creamy mixture, 

have it directly, or being sweetened, 

adding ingredients of our choice,

like banana, chhena, honey or jaggery.

Bela Pana...

It's a rejuvenating summer drink,

a part of tradition, deeply linked,

filling heart with joy & nostalgia,

whenever I take part in this ritual.

Happy Maha Bisubha Sankranti and Odia New year!

** Also known as Pana Sankranti.