Audible Weed Walk – ep.49 “Jagannath deb, the ultimate locavore and weeder”
Jagannath deb, the ultimate locavore and weeder : This is the time for Rathayatra or the chariot festival where Lord Jaggannath with his two siblings travels for a few days. This made me focus on the food preference and practices at the Jagganath deb temple at Puri. At the temple 56 food items are cooked for Jagannath deb everyday through the year; it is known as chappan-bhog. Since the 12th century, for its cooking, the temple has used local and indigenous produce – making Jagannath deb the best practicing locavore. While the 56 items somewhat change with the season – one item remains unchanged. It is the most favorite of the lord Jagannath, and he has to have it everyday. So, goddess Lakshmi, his wife, cooks it herself, while she only supervises the preparation of other items. This very special, favorite item is made out of a wild weedy green, making him an ardent weeder (a term I have coined). Included in this podcast is a recipe that Lord Jagannath prefers, you can try it too.