The state of Odisha is celebrating Chhena Poda Dibasa today with immense pride and joy, as people across districts indulge in the rich, caramelized taste of this iconic Odia cheese dessert. The day is being marked with community events, special cooking sessions, and sweet distribution in various parts of the state, especially in Nayagarh, the birthplace of Chhena Poda.

Celebrated annually on April 11, Chhena Poda Dibasa pays tribute to Sudarshan Sahu, the legendary sweet-maker from Nayagarh who is widely regarded as the inventor of this unique delicacy. Sudarshan Sahu was born on April 11, 1931, and is credited with creating the first-ever Chhena Poda alongside his father, Bidyadhar Sahu, quite accidentally. The story of its invention traces back to an experiment using leftover kneaded cottage cheese (chhena), which was left to bake overnight in a hearth, resulting in the discovery of Chhena Poda—known today for its distinctively smoky, caramelized flavor and soft, rich texture.

This year, the Nayagarh district administration has taken the celebration a step further by officially observing ‘Bishwa Chhena Poda Diwas’ (World Chhena Poda Day) on April 11, honoring Sudarshan Sahu’s culinary contribution on his birth anniversary. Collector Rabindra Nath Sahu has directed all government offices in the district to participate in the celebration by organizing programmes and serving the sweet, thereby strengthening the region's cultural identity.

In a major development aimed at boosting the sweet’s global recognition, the Nayagarh administration has also applied for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Chhena Poda. This move is expected to help preserve its authenticity and promote the sweet on national and international platforms.

Chhena Poda, which literally means “burnt cheese” in Odia, has earned a cherished place in the hearts of Odias across generations. Often described as Odisha’s very own cheesecake, it is made using simple ingredients like chhena (cottage cheese), sugar, cardamom, and semolina, baked to perfection over low heat to give it a rich brown crust and melt-in-the-mouth consistency.

As Chhena Poda Dibasa 2025 is being celebrated with much fervor, the sweet continues to gain popularity far beyond Odisha’s borders. From home kitchens and sweet shops to cultural exhibitions and state-sponsored events, this traditional dessert is uniting Odias around the world in a shared celebration of heritage, innovation, and flavor.