Bhubaneswar: With grand festivities in Bhubaneswar, Odisha is all set to celebrate the fourth Chhenapoda Day on April 11. The event not only honors the traditional dessert but also seeks Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for Chhenapoda and calls for the establishment of independent clusters for artisans involved in its preparation.

A press conference held today by the Nayagarh Bikash Mancha detailed the event, which will take place at Jayadev Bhavan from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The celebrations will feature cultural performances such as Chhau dance, Dhuduki Dance, and Sankirtan, showcasing Nayagarh district's rich heritage. As in previous years, a Chhenapoda artisan will be honored on the Bikash Manch.

Since its inception in 2022, Chhenapoda Day has evolved into a major cultural festival. In 2023, the Nayagarh district administration participated, and by 2024, the Odisha government extended the celebrations to various districts and government offices. People from different sectors now join in the celebration.

The Mancha has urged authorities to preserve the legacy of Chhenapoda’s creator, Sudarshan Sahu, and establish dedicated clusters in Daspalla and Nayagarh to support artisans. The Nayagarh district administration has already applied for GI recognition. Odias living across India and abroad have been encouraged to celebrate Chhenapoda Day, promoting the state's culinary and cultural heritage globally.

The event will be attended by prominent writers, activists, and members of the Nayagarh Bikash Mancha, including Shubhranshu Panda, Subrat Kumar Nayak, Satyendu Sekhar Mishra, Umakant Mohapatra, Ashutosh Das, Sudhanshu Sahu, and Raj Kishore Dakua.

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