Bhubaneswar, Apr 11: Odisha, a land of rich traditions and flavors, holds a special day to honor one of its most iconic desserts—Chhena Poda. Every year, April 11 is celebrated as Chhena Poda Dibasa, a day dedicated to this caramelized, baked cottage cheese delicacy that has won hearts across generations. Chhena Poda—a dessert that tells a tale of tradition, devotion, and innovation in every bite!

Chhena Poda, meaning “burnt cheese” in Odia, is a one-of-a-kind Indian dessert that owes its creation to a happy accident. In Nayagarh, Sudarshan Sahu, a confectioner, once left a mixture of chhena (cottage cheese), sugar, and cardamom in an earthen oven overnight. When he checked the next morning, the mixture had transformed into a perfectly caramelized, aromatic dessert. This accidental discovery soon became one of Odisha’s signature sweets, loved for its smoky, slightly charred outer layer and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Chhena Poda isn’t just a dessert—it’s a sacred offering to Lord Jagannath, the revered deity of Odisha. It is often presented as prasad in Jagannath Temple, Puri, reinforcing its spiritual significance. Over the years, it has become an integral part of Odisha’s food culture, making its way into every special occasion, from festive celebrations to weddings.

Odisha turns into a sweet haven as shops, homes, and cultural festivals celebrate this beloved dessert, on April 11. Sweet vendors prepare fresh batches of Chhena Poda, while food lovers gather to savor its rich, caramelized taste.

In 2019, efforts were made to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for this beloved sweet, highlighting its traditional roots in Nayagarh. With its distinct taste and heritage, Chhena Poda stands as a pride of Odisha’s culinary legacy.

As Odisha continues to honor Chhena Poda Dibasa, it reinforces the importance of local flavors, traditional food practices, and the stories behind them. The celebration isn’t just about indulging in a dessert—it’s about preserving culture, cherishing flavors, and sharing Odisha’s culinary gems with the world.

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