Among the sweetmeats available in the state of Odisha Kora Khai is although very popular it is hardly available these days. Kora Khai is offered to Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar. Though these days Kora Khai is sold in a few shops around Lingaraj temple and at some other places, the taste of Baiya Kora Khai is unique.
The Khaja of Puri, Khiri of Khirachora Gopinath, Rasabali of Kendrapara and Chhenajhili of Nimapada are very famous. However, many might not have heard about Baiya Kora khai.
Origin
Long ago a family of Bhubaneswar old town area had started preparing Kora Khai. As per reports, about three hundred years ago one Bairagai Sahu had started making Kora Khai. And the sweetmeat was later called Baiya Kora Khai named after his name. After Bairagi Sahu, his descendants have been doing the business of Kora Khai. In these days the Baiya Kora Khai is available at a few shops in the Tinimundia Chhaka in the old town area of Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar.
As per tradition Baiya Korakhai is offered to Lord Lingaraj. Even today the chariot of the Lord stops at Tinimundia chhaka on Ashokastami during his annual visit to the Mausi Maa temple during Rukuna Ratha Jatra every year. At this chowk, the Kora Khai is offered to Lord Lingaraj.
Preparation
Khai, jiggery, coconut and cardamom are the main ingredients of Kora Khai. The Khai and coconut pieces are caramelized to make this food item. Also, cardamom is mixed to it.
Kora khai normally sold in a natural packet, a box made off palm leaves called ‘Talapatra bhogei’. Decades ago, there were a number of shops at the old bus stand area of Bhubaneswar where Kora Khai was exceptionally sold. As of now, those shops have been shifted, yet fans of Kora Khai have not forgotten the taste.
It is said these days Kora Khai is available at a few shops around Lord Lingaraj temple and at the No. 1 Haata of Bhubaneswar. However there is difference between these Khai and the Baiya Kora Khai.
Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was all praise for Kora Khai. A World Agricultural Summit held in Delhi in 1952. Kora Khai had been taken to this exhibition from Odisha. This sweetmeat gripped attention of people there. Gradually, it became so popular that it was auctioned and sold.
In Odisha, often married girls are given this sweetmeat in the ‘bhara’ when they return to their house from their fathers’ places.
Kora Khai is also loved as it can be stored for long days. It is hard to believe that these days we can hardly find any traditional Odia typical foods in the showcases of a sweet shop. The Sitabhoga, ata Gaja, chhena khoi etc. are not seen. I
It is yet to be ascertained whether the sweet makers have changed the taste of people or taste of Odisha people has changed but the tasty Baiya Kora Khai is available.
Ms Kalinga