Odisha marked World Chhenapoda Day on April 11 with pride and enthusiasm, paying tribute to Sudarsan Sahu of Nayagarh, the creator of Chhenapoda.
The celebration highlighted Odisha’s rich culinary heritage and the importance of preserving traditional delicacies.
Chhenapoda, meaning “baked cheese,” originated in Nayagarh when Sudarsan Sahu experimented with sweetened cottage cheese baked overnight. The result was a caramelised crust with a soft, spongy interior that soon became a staple in Odia households and festive occasions.
The non-profit organisation Helping Hand initiated World Chhenapoda Day in 2022, commemorating Sahu’s birth anniversary each year. Members of the organisation emphasised that the day honours not only the sweet but also the cultural pride it represents.
The popularity of Chhenapoda has grown beyond Odisha, with demand rising across India, especially in states with a significant Odia diaspora. Thousands of units are dispatched daily from Nayagarh to different parts of the country. Suman Sahu, son of Sudarsan Sahu, expressed his vision for global recognition of Chhenapoda and called for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to protect its identity.
Many believe that a GI tag for Nayagarh Chhenapoda would safeguard its authenticity and strengthen Odisha’s culinary legacy. Such recognition would benefit local sweet makers and highlight Odisha’s contribution to India’s food traditions.
World Chhenapoda Day stands as a celebration of creativity, tradition, and cultural pride. Sudarsan Sahu’s invention has delighted generations and become a symbol of Odisha’s identity. The sweet’s journey from a kitchen experiment to a global delicacy reflects the enduring charm of Odia culture.
