Joranda Mela in Dhenkanal Begins: Top Delicacies To Relish In This Odisha District

Joranda Mela is observed to mark the day of salvation of Mahima Gosain in the vicinity of the Shunya Mandir and is celebrated in particular by the people of the Mahima sect.

Thousands of Mahima saints and followers have gathered for the mela, which will continue for two days.

So, if you are also travelling to see this world-famous mela, here are some famous delicacies you must try during your visit to Dhenkanal:

Bara: Bara is popular all over Odisha but Dhenkanal’s Bara is said to be the tastiest & relishing. Crispy from the outside & tenderly soft from within, this dal & rice fitter is best relished with gughuni or aloo tarkari.

Kamala Bhog: Kamala Bhog is orange-flavoured sweet prepared with Chena aka Paneer similar to Rasgulla.

Khira Gaja: A popular Odia sweet, Khira Gaja is made from deep-fried chhena (cottage cheese) and flour, soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy yet juicy treat.

Biri kachodi: A savoury delight, Biri Kachodi is a deep-fried, crispy snack stuffed with spiced black gram (biri dal) filling, often enjoyed with ghuguni or aloo curry.

Magaji Ladu: Magaji Ladu, a 200-year-old sweet delicacy from Dhenkanal, earned a GI tag in 2024. It is made from chena, sugar, and cardamom.

Pamdi Chaat: A crispy, tangy street food, Pamdi Chaat combines crunchy fried dough wafers with spicy chutneys, curd, and chaat masala, creating a flavourful snack.