Odisha, a culturally rich state on the eastern coast of India, is famous for its ancient temples, classical dance forms, and especially its authentic sweets. Passed down over generations, these traditional sweets of Odisha are more than just desserts — they are integral to religious rituals, festivals, and daily life.
Let’s explore the Top 5 Old Odisha Sweets that continue to enchant sweet lovers:
1. Khaja of Mahaprasad: Ancient Temple Sweet from Puri
Khaja, a crispy, layered sweet, holds a sacred place among old Odisha sweets. Primarily associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Khaja is one of the Mahaprasad items offered to the deities.
Prepared by rolling out thin sheets of wheat dough, layering them, deep-frying, and dipping them in sugar syrup, Khaja boasts a flaky texture with a sweet, slightly sticky coating. Historical references trace Khaja back to ancient temple kitchens, where it was valued for its longer shelf life, making it ideal for pilgrims and offerings.
2. Chhena Poda: Odisha’s Smoky Baked Dessert Invention
Among the oldest sweets of Odisha, Chhena Poda is often called Odisha’s cheesecake — but its flavor and story are unique. The name literally translates to “burnt cheese.” The sweet originated accidentally when leftover chhena mixed with sugar and nuts was left in a warm oven overnight, resulting in a caramelized, smoky dessert.
Chhena Poda has been an offering to Lord Jagannath for centuries. Unlike many other Indian sweets, this one is baked, giving it a slightly burnt top and a moist, rich interior — an old Odia culinary innovation that remains largely unique to the state.
3. Kheera Gaja: The Forgotten Festive Sweet of Odisha
Kheera Gaja is a lesser-known but deeply traditional Odia sweet. Made by kneading a dough of chhena and semolina, cutting it into diamond shapes, frying it, and then soaking it in thick, flavored sugar syrup, Kheera Gaja is a labor-intensive sweet often reserved for special occasions and festivals like Raja Parba.
Unlike the better-known Gaja, the “Kheera” (milk solids) element gives it a denser and creamier texture. Despite its old origins, Kheera Gaja has faded from mainstream popularity but remains a prized sweet among traditional Odia households.
4. Arisa Pitha: Odisha’s Ancient Rice Sweet for Auspicious Occasions
Arisa Pitha is one of Odisha’s oldest and most traditional sweets, deeply linked with festivals like Manabasa Gurubar and Kartik Purnima. Unlike modern cakes or fried sweets, Arisa Pitha uses just rice flour, jaggery, and sesame seeds, creating a chewy, mildly sweet flavor profile.
This sweet dates back centuries and was once a staple during marriages and religious functions. Its simplicity and reliance on indigenous ingredients like jaggery and rice symbolize the resourcefulness of ancient Odia cuisine.
5. Rasagola of Pahala: The Original Sweet Treasure of Odisha
When discussing old Odisha sweets, it’s impossible not to start with Pahala Rasagola. Originating from the village of Pahala near Bhubaneswar, this iconic sweet predates the popular Bengali version. Traditionally made using fresh chhena (cottage cheese) and simmered in light syrup, Odisha’s Rasagola is softer, less sweet, and often tinged with a natural caramel hue.
Pahala has been a hub for Rasagola makers for centuries, where families pass down secret recipes. During Niladri Bije, the final day of the Rath Yatra, Rasagola holds ritualistic importance as Lord Jagannath offers it to Goddess Laxmi — a tradition that is at least 800 years old.
The Top 5 Old Odisha Sweets- Khaja, Chhena Poda, Kheera Gaja, Arisa Pitha, and Rasagola, are not just recipes; they are living traditions that embody Odisha’s culture, devotion, and culinary ingenuity. Despite evolving tastes and the advent of new desserts, these sweets continue to be cherished during festivals, temple offerings, and familial celebrations. Rediscovering and preserving these traditional flavors ensures that Odisha’s sweet legacy endures for generations to come.