Nayagarh's Beloved Chhena Poda Set to Achieve GI Tag Recognition!

Nayagarh's beloved dessert, Chhena Poda, is about to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, as announced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal. This recognition will strengthen its identity and connection to its origins in Nayagarh. The formal announcement is expected during a meeting on May 28-29. Chhena Poda, made from cheese, sugar, cardamom, and cashew nuts, has a rich history dating back to 1945, when Sudarshan Sahoo accidentally created it. Since 2022, April 11 has been celebrated as 'Chhena Poda Dibasa' in honor of Sahoo's contribution.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 16:52 IST

Chhena Poda Gains Recognition

New Delhi/Nayagarh: The renowned 'Chhena Poda' from Nayagarh is on the verge of receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, as announced by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday.

Officials have indicated that a formal declaration will be made during a meeting scheduled for May 28 and 29.

This GI tag will provide official acknowledgment to the traditional Odia sweet, enhancing its identity and connection to Nayagarh, its place of origin.

Chhena Poda is a delightful dessert crafted from cheese (chhena), sugar, cardamom, and cashew nuts.

Since 2022, April 11 has been celebrated as 'Chhena Poda Dibasa' in the state, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sudarshan Sahoo, who is credited with the accidental creation of this beloved dessert.

The history of Chhena Poda traces back to 1945 in Dasapalla, a town within the Nayagarh district, where Sudarshan Sahoo operated a sweet shop. In a bid to utilize leftover cheese, he combined it with sugar, cardamom, and cashew nuts, shaped it into a cake, and baked it in a charcoal oven overnight. The following morning, he unveiled what would become one of Odisha's most cherished desserts.