Rathyatra, the world-renowned chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, is not just a spiritual event—it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together devotion, tradition, and food. Celebrated with grandeur in Puri, Odisha, the festival marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple. While the majestic chariots and sea of devotees are its highlights, the sweets prepared during this time are equally sacred and symbolic.
Each sweet offered during Rathyatra isn’t just a culinary delight—it carries religious significance, is steeped in tradition, and often forms part of the Mahaprasad or Chhappan Bhog served to the deity. From fire-baked delights like Poda Pitha to syrup-soaked gems like Rasabali, these sweets are essential to the festive experience. Whether you are attending the festival in Puri or celebrating at home, here are five must-have Rathyatra sweets that truly embody the divine flavors of Odisha.
1. Khaja – The Iconic Rathyatra Sweet Offered to Lord Jagannath
No Rathyatra sweet list is complete without Khaja, the crunchy, layered delicacy that holds deep religious and cultural significance. Originating in Puri, Khaja is made using refined flour, ghee, and sugar syrup. Its flaky texture and lightly sweetened layers make it not just delicious but symbolic—Khaja is one of the main offerings in the Mahaprasad at the Jagannath Temple. During the Rathyatra festival, it is distributed as bhog to devotees, symbolizing purity and devotion. Khaja travels well and remains crisp for days, making it ideal for long pilgrimages.
2. Rasabali – A Temple-Sanctioned Sweet with Cardamom-Flavored Charm
Rasabali, a lesser-known yet deeply revered sweet, is a staple in the Chhappan Bhog offered to Lord Jagannath. Originating from Kendrapara, Odisha, this sweet features deep-fried flattened chhena (cottage cheese) patties soaked in thick, cardamom-scented milk. The sweet has religious roots—it’s considered an essential part of temple offerings during Rathyatra. The richness of Rasabali, with its milky aroma and soft, melt-in-mouth texture, represents abundance and divine blessing. It’s not just a sweet dish, but a spiritual experience for devotees attending the festival.
3. Poda Pitha – The Smoky, Festive Cake of Lord Jagannath’s Journey
Poda Pitha is not your everyday sweet—it is baked slowly overnight on wood or charcoal fire, giving it a unique smoky aroma. Prepared with fermented rice, black gram, coconut, jaggery, and cardamom, this dense and mildly sweet cake is especially associated with Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the chariots. Legend says Lord Jagannath enjoys Poda Pitha during his stay at the Mausi Maa Temple (Gundicha Temple). Offering Poda Pitha during Rathyatra is both a culinary and spiritual tradition that embodies patience, devotion, and Odia heritage.
4. Chenna Poda – Lord Jagannath’s Favourite Baked Sweet from Odisha
Chenna Poda, which means ‘burnt cheese’, is a baked cheesecake made from fresh chhena, sugar, semolina, and cardamom. Its caramelized crust and moist interior make it an irresistible dessert. Often regarded as Lord Jagannath’s favourite sweet, Chenna Poda is prepared with utmost devotion during Rathyatra. It symbolizes transformation and purity—simple ingredients are turned into something divine. While this sweet is available year-round, its importance spikes during the chariot festival, especially in homes and shops around Puri.
5. Kheer Mohan – A Festival-Favorite Sweet Floating in Sugary Bliss
A cousin of Rasgulla but with its own unique flair, Kheer Mohan is a syrupy sweet made from fresh cottage cheese balls cooked and soaked in sugar syrup. Softer and lighter than Rasgullas, Kheer Mohan is especially made in Odisha during Rathyatra as part of temple offerings and festive feasts. Its name—literally meaning “milk enchantment”—aptly describes its luscious texture. It is offered to deities as part of bhog thali and distributed among devotees after rituals. Its lightness and pleasant sweetness make it a perfect treat after a hot day during the Rathyatra celebration.
These five must-have sweets—Khaja, Rasabali, Poda Pitha, Chenna Poda, and Kheer Mohan—are more than just desserts. They are a spiritual offering, a cultural legacy, and an emotional connection to Lord Jagannath. Each sweet carries deep symbolism and plays a distinct role in the Rathyatra festival, whether as part of the temple offering or a celebratory feast at home. Including them in your Rathyatra celebration is not only a nod to tradition but a way to experience the divine through taste.