The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a grand chariot procession, it is a deeply spiritual and culturally rich celebration that brings millions of devotees together in the holy town of Puri, Odisha. Scheduled to begin on 27th June 2025, this year’s Rath Yatra promises once again to be a vibrant display of devotion, unity, and divine grace. Among the many traditions associated with this sacred festival, the 56 Bhog, or Chappan Bhog, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and culinary enthusiasts alike.
What is 56 Bhog?
The 56 Bhog refers to the 56 unique food offerings presented daily to Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, in the Jagannath Temple of Puri. This elaborate ritual is an integral part of temple customs and is especially highlighted during the Rath Yatra festival. These offerings are prepared in the temple’s age-old kitchen using traditional methods and are considered sacred, pure, and immensely auspicious.
Historical and Mythological Significance
The origins of the 56 Bhog can be traced back to Hindu mythology, particularly to the stories of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Jagannath. According to legend, during his childhood, Lord Krishna consumed eight meals a day. However, during the seven days he held up the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rain, he missed 56 meals (7 days x 8 meals).
As a gesture of love and devotion, devotees began offering 56 different dishes daily to compensate for those missed meals. This divine tradition continues in the Jagannath Temple, where Lord Jagannath is worshipped as a form of Krishna.
56 Bhog During Rath Yatra 2025
While the 56 Bhog is offered throughout the year, it gains special significance during the Rath Yatra, when the deities travel from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple in a ceremonial procession. As thousands of devotees pull the massive chariots and sing devotional songs, the 56 Bhog remains a central symbol of love, gratitude, and divine nourishment.
During the festival schedule:
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Gundicha Marjana (26 June 2025) marks the temple cleaning before the journey.
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Rath Yatra begins on 27 June 2025.
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Hera Panchami, Bahuda Yatra, and Suna Besha are key ritual days leading up to Niladri Bijay on 5 July 2025, when the deities return to the main temple.
At every step, the 56 Bhog is prepared and offered with deep devotion.
Components of the 56 Bhog
The 56 Bhog is divided across several daily offerings:
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Gopal Ballabh Bhog: Early morning meal with milk, curd, fruits, and sweets.
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Sakala Dhupa: Morning offering with rice, lentils, and vegetable preparations.
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Madhyanha Dhupa: A grand midday feast with multiple courses.
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Sandhya Dhupa: Lighter evening meal with snacks and sweets.
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Bada Singhara Bhog: Late-night offering with fruits, milk, and light snacks.
Popular Dishes in 56 Bhog
The Bhog features both simple and elaborate preparations, reflecting Odisha’s culinary richness:
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Dalma: A wholesome dish of lentils cooked with seasonal vegetables.
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Pakhala Bhata: Fermented rice served with curd, green chilies, and accompaniments.
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Khechudi: A rice and lentil dish similar to khichdi.
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Saga Bhaja: Stir-fried leafy greens.
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Khatta: A sweet-and-sour chutney made from fruits like mango or elephant apple.
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Poda Pitha: A baked rice cake made with coconut and jaggery.
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Khaja: A layered wheat flour sweet soaked in sugar syrup.
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Malpua: Deep-fried sweet pancakes made with flour and milk.
Each dish is cooked without onions or garlic, following Satvik principles, and is offered with complete purity.
A Feast for the Soul
The 56 Bhog is not just a culinary tradition; it is a spiritual offering of gratitude and devotion. It reminds devotees of the boundless love between the divine and the devotee. Whether one participates in the Rath Yatra 2025 in person or from afar, the very idea of the 56 Bhog inspires a deeper connection to tradition, nourishment, and divine grace.
As the sacred chariots roll down the streets of Puri this June, the aroma of divine food offerings and the chants of devotees will create an unforgettable spiritual experience.
