Chhenapoda Dibasa Celebrated Across Odisha Amid Origins Debate
Amid an ongoing debate over who first baked one of Odisha's most iconic desserts, Chhenapoda, the state celebrated Chhenapoda Dibasa on Saturday with great enthusiasm. The day also saw a renewed push for the dessert to receive a geographical indication (GI) tag, highlighting its cultural significance. The celebration brought together sweet shops, food enthusiasts, and cultural organizations across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Nayagarh district, the recognized birthplace of Chhenapoda.
Festive Celebrations and Social Media Buzz
From Bhubaneswar to Cuttack and Nayagarh district, the atmosphere was festive as sweet shops prepared and distributed Chhenapoda to mark the occasion. Cultural organizations joined in, organizing events that showcased the dessert's rich heritage. Social media platforms were flooded with pictures, videos, and nostalgic anecdotes, with hashtags celebrating the Odia delicacy trending locally. This digital engagement amplified the celebration, connecting people across the state in their appreciation for this traditional sweet.
Controversy Over the Celebration Date
However, not all regions participated in the April 11 celebration. In Daspalla, sweet-makers chose to skip the occasion, arguing that Chhenapoda Dibasa should be observed on December 31 instead. This date marks the death anniversary of Bidyadhar Sahoo, who is credited by many with the creation of Chhenapoda. The state government has officially celebrated Chhenapoda Dibasa on April 11 since 2022, but this decision has sparked disagreement among some communities.
Rakesh Sahoo, the great-grandson of Bidyadhar Sahoo, explained the differing perspectives. He noted that one section celebrates April 11 to honor the birth anniversary of Sudarshan Sahoo, Bidyadhar's second son, while those in Daspalla observe it on December 31. According to family history, Bidyadhar Sahoo was the traditional sweet-maker for the Daspalla king. It was a chance experiment with leftover chhena (cottage cheese) by Bidyadhar and his wife, Jemmamani Sahoo, that led to the creation of Chhenapoda. The couple first offered it to the king, who loved it, and their sons later sold it in Nayagarh.
Push for GI Tag and Recognition of Origins
On the occasion of Chhenapoda Dibasa, many voices demanded a GI tag for the sweet, with proper recognition of its original creator, Bidyadhar Sahoo, and its place of origin, Daspalla. In 2023, ORMAS and the then Nayagarh collector filed a GI application for Chhenapoda, which is still pending approval. This move aims to protect the dessert's authenticity and promote its cultural heritage on a national and international level.
GI and cultural researcher Anita Sabat emphasized that Chhenapoda Dibasa should be observed on December 31 as a tribute to Bidyadhar Sahoo. She pointed out that misinformation led to the celebration being fixed on April 11, and this should be corrected in the GI application as well. Since Bidyadhar Sahoo's birth date is unknown, April 11 was chosen in 2022 to honor his second son, Sudarshan, who popularized his father's creation and later began preparing it himself.
Cultural Significance and Future Prospects
The celebration of Chhenapoda Dibasa underscores the deep cultural roots of this dessert in Odisha. It serves as a reminder of the state's rich culinary traditions and the importance of preserving them. The debate over its origins and the push for a GI tag highlight the need for accurate historical recognition and legal protection. As the GI application progresses, it could bring greater visibility and economic benefits to the region, ensuring that Chhenapoda remains a cherished part of Odisha's heritage for generations to come.
