Odisha sets Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Pakhala
On Pakhala Dibasa, 20 March 2026, Odisha Tourism set a Guinness World Record for the largest serving of fermented rice (Pakhala), with 1,174 kg prepared in a single vessel from 850 kg of rice at Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar.
Summary
During the state-level Pakhala Parba organised by the Odisha Tourism Department at Panthanivas in Bhubaneswar, the state secured a Guinness World Record for the largest serving of fermented rice (Pakhala). Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said 1,174 kg was prepared and presented in a single vessel; about 850 kg of rice was used. The serving was laid out over 2,500 sq ft in a design inspired by the wheel of the Konark Sun Temple, and the food was distributed to more than 2,000 people from underprivileged communities. Odisha celebrates 20 March as Pakhala Dibasa.
Key facts
- Record
- Largest serving of fermented rice (Pakhala)
- Date
- 20 March 2026 (Pakhala Dibasa)
- Quantity
- 1,174 kg in a single vessel, from ~850 kg rice
- Venue
- Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar
- Display
- 2,500 sq ft, Konark wheel design
- Distributed to
- 2,000+ underprivileged people
- Organiser
- Odisha Tourism Department
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Pakhala, for which Odisha set a Guinness World Record in March 2026, is a traditional dish made of:
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Correct answer: A — Fermented rice
Pakhala is fermented rice; Odisha set the record for the largest serving of fermented rice (Pakhala).
The record Pakhala serving on 20 March 2026 was laid out in a design inspired by:
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Correct answer: B — The wheel of the Konark Sun Temple
The serving was spread over 2,500 sq ft in a design inspired by the wheel of the Konark Sun Temple.
Consider the following about Odisha's Pakhala record of 20 March 2026: 1. About 850 kg of rice was used to prepare the record serving. 2. The record was set at the Konark Sun Temple premises. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
About 850 kg of rice was used; the record was set at Panthanivas in Bhubaneswar, with only the layout inspired by the Konark wheel, so statement 2 is wrong.