Pronunciation: [ɐt͡ʃˈɑː] (IPA) 
The word "achar" is spelled with five letters - A-C-H-A-R. It is pronounced /ˈætʃɑr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The 'a' in the first syllable sounds like the 'a' in 'cat', the 'ch' is pronounced with a hard 'ch' sound like 'chair', and the 'ar' sounds like the 'ar' in 'car'. 'Achar' can refer to a South Asian pickle made from a variety of vegetables or fruits. It is a popular condiment that adds tang and spice to meals.
Achar is a noun that refers to a condiment commonly used in South Asian cuisines, particularly in Indian and Pakistani dishes. Also referred to as Indian pickle, it is a pickled preparation made with various fruits or vegetables, spices, vinegar, or oil, and sometimes sugar. Achar is known for its tangy and spicy flavor, and it often adds a delightful punch to meals.
Traditionally, achar is made by chopping or slicing fruits or vegetables, such as mangoes, limes, or chilies, and then marinating them in a mixture of vinegar or oil, along with an assortment of aromatic spices, such as mustard seeds, turmeric, fenugreek seeds, and cumin. The mixture is preserved in airtight containers or jars for a couple of days to allow the flavors to meld together.
The term "achar" has its roots in the Hindi language, where it means "pickle" or "preserved." It has become an integral part of Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and its usage extends beyond just being a side dish. Achar can be used to enhance the taste of rice, bread, curries, or lentils and is often served alongside meals as a condiment.
Overall, achar is a versatile and flavorful element of South Asian cuisine that adds a zesty and tangy kick to a wide range of traditional dishes.
The word "achar" has an etymology that traces back to the Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, the word "acarati" means "to move" or "to follow", which eventually evolved into "achar" in various Indic languages, such as Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu. "Achar" is commonly used to refer to pickles or the process of preserving food by fermentation or pickling. It is also used to describe a set of customary or traditional practices or behavior.
