Indian holidays are of several types. It does not only involve only fasting and a vow of quiet (maun vrat). The second variety also exists, some of which also involve heavenly dining. One of them is the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra that takes place in the state of Odisha in Puri. If you’ve ever thought that a feast is only about deep-fried foods, hot curries, and plates full of meat dishes, you’re dead wrong. There is much more to the Rath Yatra event than merely the gastronomic treats we enjoy today.The 56 different food dishes that were presented to the lotus-eyed lord, Lord Jagannath, are known as “Chhappan Bhog.” The food/offering to the god is known as bhog. This daily sacrifice to Lord Jagannath at the Shri Jagannath Temple consists of 56 different foods. In the Sri Mandir, the Bhog/Naivedya is first offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra before being presented to Maa Bimala. What is left over after the Nivedana has been accepted by the God is referred to as “Mahaprasad.” In the “Skanda Purana,” Lord Jagannath purifies his followers by allowing them to partake of his mahaprasad and adore him.The temple kitchen can provide food for 100,000 people every day. Only earthen pots are used to prepare Mahaprasad, and only fire and wood are used as a cooking medium. For Lord Jagannath, 240 fires and 600 chefs prepare a variety of rice, vegetables, and desserts. Because the Mahaprasad of Jagannath is so revered, it is claimed that anyone can consume food from a pot that has previously been consumed. There are several preparations of rice like Sadha Anna, Dahi Pakhala , Kanika ,Mitha Pakhala etc. Several sweet preparations like Kheer, Rasabali, Tadia, Sarapulli etc are also served.The Mahaprasada has the beauty of not spoiling even when kept over an extended length of time and of staying hot. There is no prejudice in the consumption of this Mahaprasad by people of all castes and creeds.

By Subhechcha Ganguly