Must-try traditional dishes from Odisha during Jagannath Rath Yatra

The world-famous 'Puri Rath Yatra begins today. In this 9-day festival, the three deities-Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra, are taken from the Jagannath Temple in large wooden chariots to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days. It is not just a festival but a cultural extravaganza, which celebrates the beauty and flavours of India. The same can be witnessed during the RathYatra, where thousands of devotees pull the chariots and seek blessings of the almighty. During the daily puja rituals the deities are served with 56 dishes, popularly known as Chhappan Bhog. Here's a list of popular dishes of Puri that are offered to the deities and are also worth a try during this cultural celebration of beliefs, customs and flavours.

It is Odiya version of our very own khichdi. According to experts, made with lentils and rice in pure desi ghee, this dish is a part of 56 dishes offered to Lord Jagannath.

If we go by the mythological documents Lord Jagannath loves sweets. His favourites include Poda Pitha, a pancake-like baked dish made with rice flour, coconut, black gram, jaggery and cardamom. (Image: Instagram/namitacooks)

It is a mix of lentils and vegetables, prepared without oil. It is one of the city’s special attractions and is offered to Lord Jagannath during the Rath Yatra. Interestingly, it was also added to the President's food menu after a special request from former President A.P.J Abdul Kalam. (Image: Instagram/happyfoodieworld)

Either fried or boiled, this vegetable curry of Odisha includes potato, brinjal, papaya, and tomato. Ude of ghee, panch phoran, and green chilli gives this dish a divine taste and is mostly served with rice or Indian bread. (Image: Instagram/lets_flame_it_up)

Made with cottage cheese, Rasabali is deep-fried delight and the best version of this sweet dish can be relished in the premises of Jagannath Temple in Puri. (Image: Insatgram/yummymoods)

Made with paneer, sugar, cardamom powder, rice flour, nuts and ghee this sweet dish of Jagannath Temple is not worth a miss. The tempting velvety texture of the dish comes after several hours of cooking. (Image: Instagram/odishi_vyanjan)

Made with flour, milk, sugar, fennel seeds and cardamom, this mouth-watering dish is served as the morning food to Lord Jagannath at the Puri Temple.

It’s fried puffed rice dish sweetened with sugar, which is served as Bhog at the Puri Temple. (Image: Instagram/odiafoodlover)

Made with refined wheat flour and sugar, this layered crunchy delight is deep fried in oil. It is also an offering in the Jagannath Temple, Puri. (Image: Insatgram/pri_itsnandu)

For scrumptious recipes, videos, and exciting food news, subscribe to our free Daily and Weekly Newsletters.