Festivals in India does not simply involve fasting and constant prayers, but also comprises of delicious dining. Jagannath Rath Yatra is one such festival that celebrates 56 aka ‘chappan’ varieties of food items offered as a chappan bhog to the deity. If you've ever thought that a feast is only about deep-fried food, hot curries, and plates full of meat dishes, you are mistaken. There is much more to the Rath Yatra festival than merely the gastronomic treats we enjoy day to day. The Chappan Bhog This daily offerings to Lord Jagannath at the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri consists of 56 different food items. In the Sri Mandir, the Bhog/Naivedya is first offered to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra before being presented to Maa Bimala. What is left over after the Nivedana and which has been accepted by the God is referred to as ‘Mahaprasad.’ According to ‘Skanda Purana’, Lord Jagannath purifies his followers

Author-Gopi Shah