Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most revered festivals in Odisha, and it will take place on July 7, 2024. This is a grand religious event and a celebration of the state’s rich culinary heritage. The festival marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabadra and sister Subhadra on three colossal wodden chariots travelling from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in Puri. The journey attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all across the world. During this time, the streets of Odisha are filled with vibrant colours, rhythmic chants, and the enticing aromas of traditional Odia cuisine. You can experience a wide variety of Odia cuisine available during the Rath Yatra in Odisha. Here are some authentic Odia dishes that are integral to Rath Yatra 2024 celebrations, offering a glimpse into the region’s culinary traditions. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 Travel Guide: From Jagannath Temple Puri Visit to Special Odia Delicacies, Things To Do for a Spiritual Trip During Odisha’s Chariot Festival.

Mahura

Mahura is a quintessential part of the Chappan Bhog made to Lord Jagannath. This dish is a mixed vegetable curry made with an array of vegetables like raw banana, pumpkin, yam, and brinjal, cooked in a mildly spiced mustard paste. It consists of a unique blend of exotic spices and delicate aromas, making Mahura a delectable, nutritious offering deeply rooted in Odia culture. The dish is usually paired with steamed rice and is a must-try for Rath Yatra festivities.

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Dalma

This traditional Odia dish holds a special place in the Rath Yatra celebrations. This is a wholesome dish that combines lentils and vegetables, cooked together with a blend of spices. Here, the key ingredient is toor dal. You can choose a wide range of vegetables like raw banana, pumpkin, and papaya to add to the dish. Adding roasted cumin and dry red chillies gives Dalma a distinctive flavour. This dish is nutritious and comfort food for many Odias, reflecting the simplicity and richness of Odia cuisine.

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Pakhala Bhata

This is a beloved summer dish in Odisha, especially enjoyed during the Rath Yatra celebration. It is a fermented rice dish in which the cooked rice is soaked in water and left to ferment overnight. The next day, it is served with a variety of accompaniments, such as fried vegetables, fish, badi chura, and roasted spices. Pakhala has cooling properties, aids digestion, and provides relief from the summer heat. This dish is a staple in Odia households and is also offered to Lord Jagannath during the festival.

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Khaja

Rath Yatra is incomplete without the indulgence of Khaja. This crispy and flaky pastry is made with refined flour, sugar, and ghee. It is deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. Khaja is one of the primary sweets offered to Lord Jagannath and distributed among the devotees as prasad. Its rich and crunchy texture makes it a favourite among locals and tourists.

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Chhena Poda

Chhena Poda is a unique dessert that showcases the ingenuity of Odia cuisine. The cheesecake-like sweet is made from chhena (a kind of acid-set cheese), sugar, and semolina, which are then mixed together and baked to perfection until the outer layer caramelises. The dish is deliciously sweet and slightly smoky-flavoured with a soft and creamy interior. Chhena Poda is often prepared during Rath Yatra.

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The traditional dishes served during Rath Yatra reflect the simplicity, diversity, and richness of Odia cuisine. From savoury Mahura and Dalma to sweet delicacies like Khaja and Chenna Poda, they offer a true taste of Odisha. As you participate in Rath Yatra, don’t miss out on these authentic Odia foods and immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary traditions of this beautiful state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2024 02:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).