Enduri Pitha #Mahaprasad #AToZChallenge

The food offering (bhog/prasad) to Lord Jagannath is called Mahaprasad. There are scores of varieties of Mahaprasad offered in Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri. Some of them- 115 varieties of Mahaprasad.

Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha

In the culinary tradition of the Puri Temple, 'Chhapan Bhog' (56 Bhog) is a well-known name. 

Enduri Pitha is a food item that is listed in the Chhapan Bhog. Three types of Enduri are mentioned namely- Enduri, Nakhyatra Enduri and Mua Enduri.

Six numbers of Enduri along with other bhog are offered every morning to the deities as the 'Sakala Dhupa'.

Enduri Pitha offered as Sakala Dhupa in Shree Jagannath Temple

Enduri Pitha is prepared by using a soaked and ground paste of Urad (Biri) dal. A mix of thinly sliced and chopped coconut, crushed pepper, and a pinch of Hing (Asafoetida) and salt are added. Enduri Pitha is prepared in the traditional process at the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri.

Odia households prepare Enduri Pitha with a slight variation. Soaked and ground paste of raw rice is also used along with Urad dal to prepare the batter. 

The above-mentioned grated Coconut and other ingredients mixture is prepared with molasses, which serves as filling inside the batter that is set and steamed inside Turmeric leaves. 

As Turmeric is also called 'Haladi/Haldi' and leaves are called 'Patra', such preparation is also called 'Haladi Patra Pitha'.  After steaming, the leaves are removed, revealing the soft and delicious Enduri Pitha that is eaten!

This variety is prepared during a festival of Odisha named Prathamastami that is celebrated in Odia homes for the well-being and prosperity of the eldest child of the family.

Odisha has high quality Turmeric. More than 12,000 farmers in the Kandhamal district of Odisha are associated with Turmeric cultivation. Kandhamal Haldi is famous as it is organic and much in demand. Other districts in the tribal belt of Odisha also cultivate it.

Post for my second #atozchallenge. E for Enduri

My Theme is- "Odisha- The Soul of Incredible India".
Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India. Have you visited Odisha and India? 

I will be sharing some glimpses from Odisha. Do keep reading and discovering!