April 11th: The Chennapoda Divas

April 11, 2024: Chennapoda is hailed as the sweetest among all sweet dishes in Odisha, whose literal meaning is baked Chenna, embodies a culinary artistry that captivates the senses. Crafted from homemade chenna (cheese) and sugar, this delicacy undergoes a baking process for several hours until it cooks perfectly. Its divine taste and irresistible aroma have earned it a special place in all the Odia’s, and it is also believed that Chennapoda is the favorite sweet dish of Lord Jagannath.

In the market full of sweet dishes, a true Odia’s heart always yearns for Chennapoda. This dessert holds an irreplaceable position in every Odia household, particularly during festivals like Holi, Diwali, Rath-yatra etc. Today, April 11th marks a dedicated day for Chennapoda—a day cherished by all Odia’s honoring the unparalleled delight it brings to their lives.

The innovation of Chennapoda was not deliberate; it emerged from a sweet mistake made by Late Sudarshan Sahu, a skilled sweet dish maker from Nayagarh. By preserving the chenna, and baking it for overnight he unwittingly stumbled upon the creation of Chennapoda. This delectable dish quickly gained fame and adoration from all who tasted it. Despite its widespread popularity, Chennapoda has yet to receive the recognition it deserves. There has been a growing demand for granting the dish a GI tag, highlighting its unique identity and cultural significance.

Sudarshan Sahu, the genius behind Chennapoda, took his last breath on November 24, 2016, at the age of 86. Nayagarh, renowned for its Chennapoda, exports this delicacy to various corners of the country daily. Esteemed celebrities from Bollywood, as well as the current president, have expressed their fondness for this irresistible sweet dish. However, it remains disheartening that Chennapoda has yet to receive the coveted GI tag it truly deserves, despite its widespread acclaim and cultural significance.

On this Chennapoda day make sure to take out some time from your busy schedule and enjoy this sweet dish with your family, friends and dearest ones.