Today marks the beginning of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2024, an Indian festival for devotees in Odisha and Vaishnav communities across the country. Celebrated annually in June or July, this event honors the journey of Lord Jagannath, and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, as they leave their temple in Puri for a grand procession. Known also as the Gundicha Yatra or Chariot Festival, this sacred festival starts on the second day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashadha.
Devotees from Odisha, Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and various other regions of India gather in the coastal town of Puri to participate in the celebrations. The deities are placed on three grand chariots named Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalan, which are pulled through the streets by followers, who sing devotional songs and hymns. During this period, the temples, sweet shops, and eateries in and around Puri offer special treats, focusing on the favorite foods of Lord Jagannath, adding to the festive spirit.
These foods, both sweet and savory, are parts of Lord Jagannath's special Chappan Bhog, also known as the 56 Bhog.
Khaja, a popular delicacy from Puri, Odisha, holds a special place in the Chappan Bhog, the 56 offerings made to Lord Jagannath. This dish, made from wheat flour, ghee, and sugar, with a flavour of cardamom powder, features a layered, deep-fried texture. Dipped in sugar syrup, Khaja is enjoyed not only as an offering to Lord Jagannath but also as a tasty snack among devotees, known for its irresistible flakiness and sweetness.
During the Jagannath Rath Yatra, a special traditional beverage is enjoyed by many devotees and offered to Lord Jagannath. This refreshing summer drink is called Tanka Torani. It is made using curd, rice water, lemon leaves, and green chillies, and undergoes a fermentation process. This process transforms the drink into a mild local alcohol that helps cool the body internally. Nutritious and hydrating, Tanka Torani is also very nutritious and hydrating.
Amalu, a unique variation of Malpua, is a sweet prepared as one of the Mahaprasads at the Puri Jagannath temple. This dish is an important part of Lord Jagannath’s Chappan Bhog. It is made using wheat flour, bananas, cardamom, coconut, milk, and fennel seeds. At the Jagannath Puri temple, special vessels are used for cooking this sacred dish.
Ukhuda, a local delicacy, is offered to Lord Jagannath at the Jagannath Puri temple. This sweet dish is made from puffed rice that is dry roasted and sweetened with jaggery, coconut, and carom seeds. Due to its dry nature, Ukhuda is a popular Mahaprasad at the temple and is convenient for devotees to take home. It remains fresh for up to 15 days, making it a perfect gift for family and friends.
Odisha's Chhena Poda is popular, especially during the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival. This special dessert is made from a unique type of cottage cheese or chhena, which is prepared in homes and sweet shops. The cheese is caramelized with sugar, creating a distinct and rich flavor. The preparation is time-consuming, taking several hours to perfect.
