Bhubaneswar/Nayagarh: World Chhenapoda day is being celebrated across Odisha on Saturday, marking the birth anniversary of its creator Sudarshan Sahu.
In Bhubaneswar, Nayagarh Bikash Manch in association with Odia Media Pvt Ltd organised a grand procession from Ram Mandir square to Lower PMG square to mark the special day. The rally featured street play, dance, music performances, along with a 15 kg chennapoda being carried by volunteers. Being celebrated since 2022, the day saw stepped up demand for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for chenapoda.
“Heeding to our demands, ORMAS
along with the then-Nayagarh Collector applied for GI tag for chhenapoda in 2023. The process has halted and the current Nayagarh Collector has assured us that the process for GI tag will start soon. We are demanding chhenapoda clusters like Pahala is for Rasagola, livelihood support and skill development for chhenapoda sweetmakers,” a member of Nayagarh Bikas Manch told reporters at the rally.
Since 2022, the day has seen widespread support from Odisha government, Odisha tourism, several district administrations, among others, he said.
Another celebration was held at the origin place of this delicacy in Nayagarh district. A gathering was organised by Suman Sahu, younger son of the inventor Sudarshan Sahu. Eminent personalities attended this event and savoured one of Odisha’s favourite desserts. They remembered the legacy of its creator and Sahu’s sweet contribution to the state’s rich culinary heritage. They also demanded that the iconic dish must get its deserving GI tag.