Bhubaneswar: The two-day ‘Pakhala Paraba 2026’ celebrations began in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, highlighting Odisha’s rich culinary traditions while also aiming to position Odia cuisine on the global stage.
The festival was inaugurated at Panthanivas with Tourism Director Deepankar Mahapatra addressing the opening session. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida are expected to attend the concluding day of the event.
The inaugural session featured keynote addresses by Padma Shri awardee Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, Prof Sitikantha Mishra, and Sandip Mukherjee, who emphasised the importance of sustainable eating, preservation of rice diversity, and the relevance of traditional food systems in modern hospitality.
A key highlight of the event was a series of panel discussions examining both the cultural roots and future potential of Odia cuisine. The first session explored the historical and spiritual significance of traditional food practices, while the second focused on strategies to promote Odia cuisine as a global brand, including marketing and innovation.
Experts from academia, hospitality, and cultural sectors participated in the discussions, alongside special presentations by noted personalities such as Sudarshan Sahoo, Dr G.A. Kumar, Swosti Mishra, and Shabnam Afrin. Renowned chef Manjit Singh Gill and Dr Suniti Mund also delivered keynote addresses.
The event combined food discourse with cultural showcases, featuring performances such as Odissi, Sambalpuri, tribal, and Gotipua dances, reflecting the state’s diverse heritage.
In a notable initiative, the Tourism Department is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the largest serving of fermented rice (Pakhala). Around 800–850 kg of Pakhala is being prepared as part of the effort, which also highlights its nutritional value and agricultural significance.
Organised in collaboration with the Robin Hood Army, the initiative includes a strict zero-wastage policy, aligning the celebration with sustainability goals. The festival aims not only to celebrate Odisha’s traditional cuisine but also to create wider awareness and global recognition for its unique food culture.
