Rath Yatra Special Food – A Brief Guide to the Popular Dishes

One of India’s most well-known Hindu temples is the Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is one of the four holiest Hindu shrines or CHAR DHAM. Millions of visitors visit the temple yearly to pray to Lord Jagannath. One of the most convenient ways to reach the Jagannath Temple is by train. And the most sought-after time of the year is during the Rath Yatra. When you arrive at Puri, you can visit the Jagannath Temple in all its splendour and taste the delicious Rath Yatra special food. So, if you’re looking for a spiritual and foodilicious journey, take the train to Puri, visit the Shree Jagannath Puri Temple and taste Rath Yatra special food!

Also, no trip to Puri can be considered complete without indulging in the delectable ‘Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath‘. The kitchen at Puri Jagannath temple is expansive. It provides a diverse selection of sweet dishes, rice dishes, pithas and main courses as offerings to Lord Jagannath and his siblings.

Rath Yatra: A Brief Overview

The Rath Yatra is a significant Hindu festival celebrated for centuries. This festival is also known as the Festival of Chariots and is celebrated in various parts of India. The Puri Rath Yatra, in particular, is a highly anticipated and auspicious event. This annual festival is steeped in tradition and cultural significance and takes place on the second day of Ashada Shukla. According to popular belief, Lord Jagannath desires to make an annual pilgrimage to his place of origin. As the journey unfolds, one is treated to the breathtaking sights of the renowned Bada Danda of the city, leaving a lasting impression on the senses.

During the Rath Yatra celebration, worshippers pay homage to Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra. Devotees from all corners of the country come to participate in this significant event and are granted a unique opportunity to pull the chariots of the deities and receive their divine blessings. The ceremonial Yatra commences at the Puri Jagannath Temple and culminates at the sacred Gundicha Temple.

So, if you want to visit Puri right now, make sure you don’t miss this awesome event!

Rath Yatra Special Food

During your visit to Puri, be sure not to miss some of Lord Jagannath’s favourites.

Khaja

Indulge in the delectable flavours of our sweet and crunchy Khaja. The Khaja in Puri is a legendary delicacy renowned as the revered Lord Jagannath himself. This delectable dish is made using a combination of maida, refined oil, and sugar. It is traditionally offered to the Lord as ‘Mahaprasad’. This traditional Odia dessert perfectly combines crispy layers and sweet syrup, creating a delightful texture. This delicious treat is presented inside the Puri temple as Sukhila Prasad, or dry prasad, one of the Chapana Bhoga.

Dalma

Dalma, also known as the “Mother of all Dals,” is a traditional dish that originates from Odisha. For the people of Odisha, it is impossible to imagine a proper Satwik meal without Dalma. It is a highly sought-after dish in the state, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. This delectable dish holds a special significance as it is offered to Lord Jagannath. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with lentils, vegetables, and mild spices.

Khechedi

This dish is the Odia rendition of the popular all-India favourite, Khichdi. This dish is one of the 56 divine offerings of the Lord and is truly heavenly in taste. If you find yourself in or near Puri, it is highly recommended that you try this.

Rasabali

Rasabali is a delectable sweet dish that is crafted from pressed cottage cheese. This dish is prepared by deep-frying the cheese until it takes on a reddish hue. The Shree Jagannath Puri Temple is widely regarded as the ultimate destination to savour the delectable Rasabali.

Lord Jagannath’s Favourite Poda Pitha

Both Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha have an affinity for sweet dishes, “Pithas” in particular. Poda Pitha is one of the several desserts he is regularly presented with. While you are here, you just cannot do without it. Jaggery, Coconut, Nuts, Rice flour, Urad Dal, Cardamom, etc., are used to make this delicacy. This is a delicious Rath Yatra special food

Chenna Poda

One of Odisha’s most well-known sweets is Chenna Poda, or roasted cottage cheese. Cottage cheese, jaggery, rice flour, milk, ghee, and a plethora of dried fruits are some of the simple components used to make this. This delicious treat is baked traditionally, adding sal leaves for taste.

Malpua

This delectable dish, a component of the Chhapana Bhoga of the Puri temple, must be included in every list. Malpua is simple to make and a staple of Odia celebrations. They are a regular dessert in every Indian state, but the version from Odisha is special since it contains bananas. Mashed bananas, flour, cardamom, milk, sugar, and fennel are used to make malpua. The little fritters are deep-fried before being covered in sugar syrup.

Water rice or Pakhala Bhata

Another easy, simple, but traditional dish from Odisha is made with cooked rice and fermented with water. It is often made during the sweltering summer months.

So plan a vacation to Odisha this Rath Yatra and indulge in some of the region’s delicious dishes!

Major railway stations to order Odisha special food on the train

Suppose you’re travelling by train in Odisha and looking to indulge in local cuisine. In that case, there are several major railway stations where you can order Odisha special food. These stations offer a range of delicious dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. You can conveniently order through the IRCTC eCatering website, Food on Track official mobile app or the Whatsapp number +91-8750001323. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flavours of Odisha while on your train journey!

Bhubaneswar Railway Station, BBS

The Bhubaneswar railway station, the primary station of the state capital, is renowned for its delectable Odia cuisine. IRCTC eCatering has partnered with various restaurants to offer train travellers a wide range of food options. These options include the popular regional Thalis, Biryanis, Sweets and many more delicious dishes. Savour a unique culinary experience that is sure to leave you wanting more!

Puri Railway Station, PURI

The city attracts numerous visitors who come to experience the Darshan. With the responsibility of managing more than 50 trains, the Puri railway station is the most bustling railway station in the state. You can visit the city all round the year via trains or during Rath Yatra and enjoy Rath Yatra special food along with other Odia delicacies through eCatering!

Rourkela Junction, ROU

Rourkela, situated in the Sundargarh district, is one of the prominent urban areas in Odisha. The Junction Station has earned a place among India’s top 100 railway stations for booking. The city enjoys connectivity to several significant cities across India. Indulge in the delectable cuisine of Odisha by placing an order for its renowned dishes while aboard a train passing through or departing this station!

Cuttack Junction, CTC

Cuttack holds significant importance as a railway station in the state of Odisha. This railway station stops several prominent long-route trains, including the Neelachal Express, Howrah SF Express, and Falaknuma Express. Passengers travelling on these trains can indulge in Odisha’s regional cuisine by placing an online food order while on board.

Sambalpur Junction, SBP

This station holds a prominent position along the Jharsuguda-Vizianagaram and Cuttack-Sambalpur railway lines. When passing by this station, you may indulge in the unique regional specialities of Western Odisha or order some of your favourite dishes from renowned restaurants and brands through eCatering!

How can you order Odia food on a train through IRCTC eCatering?

Indulging in the flavours of regional cuisine while travelling by train has never been easier, thanks to the exceptional eCatering services available. Enjoy a plethora of regional delicacies while travelling on the train with the Food On Track official IRCTC eCatering app. From the flavorful Odia and Bengali cuisines to the hearty Bihari and Punjabi dishes, and from the wholesome Satwik and South-Indian meals to the rich Mughlai or hot Chinese fare, there’s something for everyone! Don’t miss out on this delectable experience!

For a delectable train journey, look no further than IRCTC eCatering’s official website at https://www.ecatering.irctc.co.in/ or download the official “Food on Track” mobile app. Simply enter your train ticket PNR number and select the en-route station where you’d like your meal delivered. With an array of tempting Odisha specialities, placing your order and processing payment is a breeze.

You can also savour the convenience of ordering delectable cuisine while travelling by train through our Whatsapp business number at +91-8750001323.

Jay Jagannath!

IRCTC eCatering

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