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What Makes Chhenapoda Dibasa Special? Odisha Celebrates Its Iconic Dessert!

Odisha recently celebrated 'Chhenapoda Dibasa', a day dedicated to the iconic dessert Chhena Poda, created by Sudarshan Sahoo. The Chief Minister extended warm wishes to the public, emphasizing the importance of sharing this unique taste with the world. The origins of Chhena Poda date back to 1945, when Sahoo accidentally discovered the recipe while trying to use leftover cheese. This celebration not only honors the dessert but also the legacy of its creator, making it a significant cultural event in Odisha. Learn more about the history and significance of this beloved sweet dish.
By Narendra Chaudhary | Apr 11, 2025, 19:32 IST

Odisha Celebrates Chhenapoda Dibasa

What Makes Chhenapoda Dibasa Special? Odisha Celebrates Its Iconic Dessert!


Bhubaneswar: On Friday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended warm wishes to the citizens in celebration of 'Chhenapoda Dibasa'.


Chhenapoda, a beloved sweet treat, is crafted from cheese (chhena), sugar, cardamom, and cashew nuts.


Since 2022, April 11 has been designated as 'Chhenapoda Dibasa', commemorating the birth of Sudarshan Sahoo, who is credited with the accidental creation of this delightful dessert.




In a post on social media platform X, Majhi expressed in Odia, "We all cherish Chhena Poda. Best wishes to everyone on 'Chhenapoda Dibasa' today. Let's share this unique flavor of Odisha with the world."


The history of Chhena Poda traces back to 1945 in Dasapalla, located in the Nayagarh district, where Sudarshan Sahoo operated a sweet shop. To utilize leftover cheese, Sahoo combined it with sugar, cardamom, and cashew nuts, shaped it into a cake, and baked it overnight in a charcoal oven. The following morning, he discovered a dessert that would become a staple in Odisha.


"The name 'Chhena' (cheese) and 'Poda' (baked) was coined by chance," a family member of Sahoo remarked.


"Sudarshan continued to prepare it using the same method, and the public adored its distinct flavor. This is how Chhena Poda gained popularity."


Interestingly, Sudarshan Sahoo attributed the creation of the sweet to his father, Bidyadhar Sahoo, stating that he merely assisted in its preparation.


Notably, India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, once praised the taste of Chhena Poda.


Due to the uncertainty surrounding Bidyadhar Sahoo's exact birth date, locals chose to celebrate Sudarshan Sahoo's birthday (April 11, 1931) as 'Chhenapoda Dibasa.'


Additionally, some residents of Dasapalla also honor December 31, the death anniversary of Bidyadhar Sahoo, in his memory.


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