The record breaking feat was the centrepiece of Pakhala Paraba 2026, a vibrant two day festival held at Panthanivas in Bhubaneswar to mark World Pakhala Day. Pakhala Bhat Odisha’s iconic summer staple made by fermenting or soaking cooked rice in water is celebrated for its refreshing, probiotic qualities that help beat the heat. This remarkable achievement not only celebrates Odisha’s rich culinary heritage but also brings international recognition to Pakhala, elevating it from a humble household dish to a symbol of cultural pride with worldwide appeal.
The department attempted to set the record by preparing 1,174 kg pakhala with 850 kg of rice. Pakhala was distributed among more than 2,000 underprivileged people. Addressing the event, the CM said, “The primary objective of Pakhala Divas is to take Odia cuisine to the global stage and unite Odias so that the traditional food does not get overshadowed by western food culture.” He also described pakhala as a “zero waste” food. Highlighting its probiotic properties, the CM said the beneficial bacteria present in pakhala help eliminate harmful bacteria in the body.
Presentation -Dibyabharati Nayak