Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that the state Tourism department has entered the Guinness World Records. The milestone was achieved by preparing and presenting the largest serving of ‘Pakhala’ (fermented rice), weighing a massive 1,174 kg, served in a single vessel.
The record-breaking feat coincided with the state’s celebration of ‘Pakhala Divas,’ a day dedicated to the beloved traditional dish.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), CM Majhi hailed the achievement as a historic global milestone that brings unprecedented recognition to a staple deeply rooted in the daily lives and culture of the people of Odisha.
“On the occasion of Pakhala Divas, Odisha has achieved a remarkable global milestone with Odisha Tourism setting a Guinness World Record for the largest serving of pakhala,” said CM Majhi.
He said, “With an unprecedented 1,174 kg prepared and presented in a single vessel, this historic achievement brings global recognition to pakhala, one of Odisha’s most cherished traditional dishes, deeply rooted in our culture and daily life.”
ବିଶ୍ୱ ପଖାଳ ଦିବସ ଅବସରରେ ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱର ପାନ୍ଥ ନିବାସରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ 'ପଖାଳ ପରବ' କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ଯୋଗଦେଲି। ପଖାଳ କେବଳ ଏକ ସାଧାରଣ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ନୁହେଁ, ଏହା ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଜୀବନଶୈଳୀର ଅବିଚ୍ଛେଦ୍ୟ ଅଙ୍ଗ ଏବଂ ଆମ ସଂସ୍କୃତିର ସ୍ପନ୍ଦନ। ପ୍ରତିଟି ଓଡ଼ିଆଙ୍କ ହାଣ୍ଡିଶାଳରେ ଆଦୃତ ଏହି ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ଖାଦ୍ୟ ଆମକୁ ସରଳତା ଏବଂ ଏକତାର ଶିକ୍ଷା ଦେଇଥାଏ।। ଆଜି… pic.twitter.com/0IsGZHBI6h
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) March 20, 2026
The chief minister also said that this accomplishment reflects the state’s commitment to promoting Odisha’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage.
“It is a proud moment for every Odia, as we take our timeless traditions from local to global, further strengthening Odisha’s identity as a hub of cultural and gastronomic excellence,” the CM said.
Expressing pride on behalf of the state, Majhi shared an image of the official certificate issued by Guinness World Records.
On the occasion of Pakhala Divas, Odisha has achieved a remarkable global milestone with Odisha Tourism setting a Guinness World Record for the Largest Serving of Pakhala.
With an unprecedented 1,174 kilograms prepared and presented in a single vessel, this historic achievement… pic.twitter.com/fLOcBKIGj3
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) March 20, 2026
Pakhala, a dish made by fermenting or soaking cooked rice in water, remains a cornerstone of Odia identity, and this record aims to further strengthen its presence on the global food map.
