As part of the grand celebration of Rath Yatra and Odisha Festival 2025, Utkala, the cultural wing of Sri Jagannath Seva Samiti, Kidderpore, organized a Khiri Pitha Competition on 4th July at Northern Park, Bhawanipur.
More than 35 participants from Odisha and West Bengal showcased their talent with delicious food items.
The Khiri Pitha Competition aims to celebrate Odisha’s rich culinary tradition and spotlight one of its most cherished delicacies—Khiri Pitha, a sweet rice-based dessert prepared with jaggery and coconut. The event invites cooking enthusiasts, home chefs, and food lovers from all backgrounds to showcase their skills and revive age-old traditional recipes from Odisha.
Mr Chandrasekhar Panigrahi, President, Shri Jagannath Seva Samiti, Khidirpur said, “The Khiri Pitha Competition is more than just a cooking contest—it’s a tribute to the flavours and traditions that define our Odia culture. We want to encourage the younger generation to take pride in these culinary practices and pass them on.”
Participants were judged by a panel of experts and cultural dignitaries, including Mr Palash Sarkar, Mr Pradip Rozario, and Mr Raajdeep Bhattacharya, on parameters such as authenticity, taste, texture, and presentation. Winners received recognition prizes and certificates.
This event is a part of the seven-day-long Odisha Festival (28 June – 4 July 2025), which coincides with the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and features cultural programs, dance competitions, handicraft displays, and devotional music performances.
Khiri Pitha Competition was coordinated by Mrs Alaka Mohanty, Mrs Rajalaxmi Swain and Mr Gajendra Swain
Winner’s list:
1st Prize: Taniya Sarkar
2nd Prize: Shibani Barik
3rd Prize: Anusaya Sahoo