Bhubaneswar: Amidst a nation-wide debate over giving National Dish status to ‘Khichdi’, researchers of Jagannath culture in Odisha on Friday claimed that the dish is being offered to Lord Jagannath at Puri Temple since ages.
After rumours about khichdi being declared as the National Dish started making the rounds on social media, Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, had clarified that khichdi is not being declared the National Dish but is only set to make a record.
"Khichdi, called Khechudi in Odia is being offered to Lord Jagannath since ages. At least five varieties of Khechudi are offered to the Lord during 'Sakala Dhupa' (morning meal)," said Rabi Narayan Mishra, a former administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple.
According to texts, there are five varieties of Khechudi cooked in the 12th century shrine in Puri - Tata Khecudi, Nukhura khechudi, Taila Khechudi, Sana Khechudi and Majuri Khechudi. Many pots of Khechudi are offered to the Lord every day, PTI quoted Mishra as saying.
Kanika, also called Mitha (sweet) Khechudi, considered as a favourite of Lord Jagannath. The rice is flavoured with cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaf, cardamom, ground nut, cashew and raisin with a pinch of turmeric. The spices used in this dish make it very aromatic.