On this visit to KaliJai mandir on the island of the same name. We talked to the poojari and he narrated the Sthan mahatmya to us. Read about the fascinating legend on Swachchanda. It’s in the middle of Bharat’s biggest lagoon between the shores of Barkul and Parikuda. Amazing location as an island should be.
Yet it’s the journey that made it enjoyable. There isn’t much to see except this mandir. There are a few shops that sell sweets and eatables. We enjoyed some fresh jhal mudi scrambled up in front of us.
I was tempted by the simplicity of the rustic sweets and respect for that sweet maker. There were coconut ladoos, colorful khaja, khasta gaja etc. Sai bought me some khasta gaja. Those are the brown ones.
Tell me what sweet makers are called in Odia? Not halwai for sure!
The answer to that is Khadik / Moira / Modak.
Sweet makers are called ‘Gudia’ . The mithais we saw at Kalijai are the one prepared at the wedding. The bride carries them to treat the new family members.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sai. Gudia is perfect name for them as sweet as the creations. How colorful sweets can sweeten relationships and new beginnings!
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