Bhubaneswar: Odisha has secured a Guinness World Record for serving the largest quantity of fermented rice (pakhala), with a total of 1,174 kg prepared in a single vessel, marking a major milestone for the state’s culinary heritage.
The achievement, led by the Tourism Department, was recorded as part of the Pakhala Parab celebrations in the state capital, drawing national and global attention to Odisha’s iconic traditional dish.
The feat marks a significant moment in positioning Odisha’s indigenous food traditions on the global map, showcasing how Pakhala Bhat has evolved from a humble local staple to a symbol of cultural pride with worldwide relevance, according to an official release.
Pakhala, a fermented rice dish widely consumed across the state, is deeply rooted in Odisha’s daily life and food traditions, especially during the summer months. The record attempt highlighted both its cultural importance and nutritional value.
The milestone is being seen as a boost for Odisha’s efforts to showcase indigenous cuisine internationally, with the government increasingly focusing on promoting local food traditions as part of tourism and cultural outreach.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the celebrations at Panthanivas earlier today, marking World Pakhala Day and highlighting the cultural and nutritional significance of the traditional dish.
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Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said pakhala is not just food but an integral part of Odisha’s culture and tradition. He noted that the festival aims to take Odia cuisine to the global stage and ensure that traditional food practices are preserved amid growing influence of modern dietary trends.
