Home

  /  

India

  /  

Trending

  /  

Odisha: Puri Jagannath Temple To Use Organic Rice For Kotha Bhog & Mahaprasad From Rath Yatra 2026 

The Odisha government will source organic rice from the Odisha Balabhadra Jaibika Chasa Mission. This mission will promote the cultivation of organic rice across the state. 

by Sanjana Shenoy
Odisha: Puri Jagannath Temple To Use Organic Rice For Kotha Bhog & Mahaprasad From Rath Yatra 2026 

Odisha’s Jagannath Temple in Puri will soon introduce organic rice in Kotha Bhog and Mahaprasad preparations from Rath Yatra 2026 onwards. The government has decided to take this initiative in a bid to celebrate and promote the cultivation of organic harvests. Farmers involved in organic cultivation will be hugely supported, as not just the devotees but Lord Jagannath will himself receive bhog made from organic rice.

Jagannath Temple In Puri To Introduce Organic Rice In Its Bhog & Prasad

Jagannath Temple puri
Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/flocu

According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple and the principal secretary of agriculture and farmers’ empowerment, threw more light on this matter. He revealed that the Odisha government will source organic rice from the Odisha Balabhadra Jaibika Chasa Mission. This mission will promote the cultivation of organic rice across the state.

At Puri Jagannath Temple, ‘Kotha Bhoga’ (morning meal) is a divine offering made to the deities at about 10 am. This offering includes many rice preparations like Kanika (sweet rice), khechudi (rice-lentil dish), fried vegetables, and vegetable curries, amongst others. It also includes an array of pitha (cakes) like Hansapuli, Jhili, Kanti and Mathapuli.

An Initiative To Support Organic Farmers

Since the Kotha Bhog is prepared only for the deities, it’s cooked in smaller quantities. Whereas, the mid-day Mahaprasad is made in large batches as it should suffice about 50,000 devotees daily. And this number doubles on festive occasions. Padhee revealed to Deccan Chronicle that the initiative to introduce organic rice in Puri Jagannath Temple will start with the Kotha Bhog.
Once this is successful, it will be extended to the Mahaprasad for devotees. Padhee assured that the government is in touch with the Dham’s servitors and chief servitors. Moreover, high-quality organic rice has already been harvested. Soon, it will be transported to the temple’s kitchen. Organic rice is grown without many chemical fertilisers, and it involves eco-friendly practices that aren’t harmful to the soil and its natural organisms.
By incorporating organic rice in this revered place of worship, the Odisha government wants to promote sustainable farming and coax its farmers to use natural, eco-friendly farming practices.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Jaykumar Bherwani and Chaded2557 

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: October 25, 2025 2:21 PM