Organic rice to be used for Lord Jagannath’s Kotha Bhoga and Mahaprasad from Rath Yatra 2026

Kotha Bhoga at PuriSrimandir will be prepared using organic rice from the upcoming Rath Yatra in 2026, informed Odisha Agriculture Department Principal Secretary Arbinda Padhee. The rice will be sourced from the Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission, which is promoting organic cultivation across several districts of Odisha. 

Farmers in Niali in Cuttack and Jeypore in Koraput are engaged in growing organic rice specifically for Lord Jagannath's Kotha Bhoga and Mahaprasad.

The initiative is being implemented under the Shree Anna Abhiyan and Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission, through which the government provides assistance to farmers cultivating organic rice, reportedly. Selected farmers from these programmes are currently growing rice, which, once harvested, will be collected and sent to Srimandir. SJTA Chief Arbinda Padhee visited the farmlands and interacted with the farmers involved in this initiative.

Use of Organic Rice for Temple Offerings

As per reports, the harvested organic rice will first be used to prepare Kotha Bhoga at Srimandir, followed by Mahaprasad. 

The Odisha government has indicated that this practice will be fully implemented during the Rath Yatra next year. Reports confirm that the rice has already been harvested during the Kharif season and is ready to be transported to the temple for preparation of the offerings.

Promoting Farmer Welfare and Sustainable Agriculture

The organic rice cultivation is expected to benefit farmers directly, providing them with a sustainable source of income while also supporting traditional temple practices. The initiative demonstrates the integration of government schemes with local agricultural efforts, ensuring the availability of high-quality organic rice for temple offerings.