Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Organic rice to be used for ‘Kotho Bhoga’; Amrut Anna project proposed

Organic rice or ‘Amrut Anna’ will be used to prepare ‘Kotho Bhoga’ for Lord Jagannath during the ongoing Rath Yatra. The offering will be made to the Lord at the Adapa Mandap of Sri Gundicha Temple.

This decision was taken in an official meeting held under the chairmanship of the SJTA Chief, Arabinda Padhee. The rice will be supplied by Pragati Organisation based in Koraput.

Amrut Anna Project Proposed for Mahaprasad Preparation

As part of the state’s wider initiative, the Odisha government mooted a proposal to launch a special project titled Amrut Anna, aimed at providing organic rice for the Mahaprasad at Srimandir in Puri. The proposal was welcomed by the servitors of the Jagannath Temple.

Local Markets and OMFED Main Sources of Ingredients

The Suar-Mahasuar Nijog is responsible for preparing the Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath. Sources in the temple administration stated that rice, vegetables, pulses, and other ingredients for Mahaprasad were largely procured from the local market. Ghee used in the preparation is supplied exclusively by the state-owned Odisha Milk Federation (OMFED), with strict prohibition on ghee from open markets.

Trial Use of Amrut Anna Conducted Earlier

Previously, discussions were held on the use of organic rice or Amrut Anna in the preparation of Mahaprasad, and it was introduced on a trial basis. Now, the initiative will be seen in implementation during the Rath Yatra.

Organic Rice Varieties of Odisha

Initially, organic rice varieties such as Kalajeera, Pimpudibasa, Jubaraja, and others grown in Odisha. Notably, Kalajeera rice has already received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.