Chhena Poda Dibasa is a significant occasion in Odisha, celebrated on 11 April every year. It is a day that commemorates the state's traditional sweet delicacy, Chhena Poda, which has gained immense popularity in recent years. The Odisha government has intensified its efforts to obtain the GI tag for Chhena Poda, recognizing its unique cultural and culinary significance.
What is Chhena Poda?
Chhena Poda is a traditional sweet dish that originated in the state of Odisha. The dish is made by curdling milk and then separating the whey from the curd. The curd is then kneaded, mixed with sugar, and baked until it turns golden brown. The result is a delicious, caramelized cake-like dessert with a unique texture and flavor.
Chhena Poda has been a favourite of Odias for generations, and its popularity has now spread to other parts of the country. Many people consider it to be the pride of Odisha's culinary heritage.
Chhena Poda Dibasa: A Celebration of Culinary Heritage
The origins of Chhena Poda can be traced back to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where it is believed to have been first prepared as an offering to Lord Jagannath. Over time, this delicious sweet dish became a popular dessert in homes and sweet shops throughout the state, and is now a symbol of Odisha's rich culinary traditions.
Chhena Poda, a traditional sweetmeat hailing from the eastern state of Odisha, India. What makes this dessert unique is its lingering taste of burnt cheese that melts in your mouth, leaving a sweet aftertaste. In this article, we'll explore the history behind this iconic dessert and how to make it at home.
The Origin of Chhena Poda
Chhena Poda was invented by Sudarsan Sahu, a sweet stall owner in Nayagarh town, Odisha, during the 1940s. Sahu experimented with leftover cottage cheese and created this dessert, which quickly gained popularity among locals. Sahu's recipe was simple but delicious, and it became a staple dessert in Odisha.
How to Make Chhena Poda?
Chhena Poda is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. Here's how to make this delicious dessert:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh paneer
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup ghee
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a mixing bowl, crumble the paneer and add semolina, sugar, baking powder, cardamom powder, and ghee. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
- Grease a baking dish with ghee and pour the batter into it. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
- Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a while.
- Once cooled, cut the Chhena Poda into small pieces and serve.
The Importance of Chhena Poda Dibasa
Chhena Poda Dibasa is a day that celebrates the significance of Chhena Poda in Odisha's culture and tradition. It is an opportunity for the people of the state to showcase their love for this iconic dish and promote it to the rest of the world.
The Odisha government's efforts to obtain the GI tag for Chhena Poda are aimed at preserving the dish's cultural and culinary significance. The GI tag will also protect the traditional knowledge and techniques involved in making the dish, preventing any unauthorized use of the Chhena Poda name.
Chhena Poda Dibasa Celebrations
On Chhena Poda Dibasa, people across Odisha celebrate by preparing and sharing Chhena Poda with their family and friends. The dish is also served in various sweet shops and restaurants across the state.
In addition to enjoying the sweet delicacy, many cultural events and competitions are organized on Chhena Poda Dibasa. These events aim to promote the dish's cultural significance and highlight its unique features.
Odisha's Efforts to Obtain the GI Tag for Chhena Poda
Despite its popularity and cultural significance, Chhena Poda has yet to receive the GI tag, which would grant it legal protection and recognition as a unique product of Odisha. In recent years, however, the state government has intensified its efforts to obtain the GI tag for this beloved sweet dish.
The GI tag is a form of intellectual property rights that identifies a product as originating from a particular region and possessing unique qualities or characteristics. It is granted by the government to protect traditional knowledge and promote the economic development of the region.
In 2018, the Odisha government filed an application with the Geographical Indication Registry to obtain the GI tag for Chhena Poda. The application highlighted the unique qualities and characteristics of the dessert, as well as its cultural and economic significance to the state. The application also outlined the traditional method of preparation and the ingredients used, which are unique to the state of Odisha.
Since then, the state government has been working tirelessly to promote Chhena Poda and its cultural significance, as well as to provide legal protection for the dessert. The government has also launched various initiatives to promote Chhena Poda and other traditional Odisha sweets, such as organizing food festivals and providing financial assistance to local sweet makers.
Conclusion
Chhena Poda is an integral part of Odisha's culinary heritage, and Chhena Poda Dibasa is a day that celebrates its cultural significance. The Odisha government's efforts to obtain the GI tag for Chhena Poda are a step in the right direction towards preserving this iconic dish's tradition and heritage.
