Rourkela to Celebrate with 20-Tonne Laddu

Bhubaneswar: In a unique celebration, the Smile Forever Foundation, a voluntary organization in Odisha’s Rourkela city, is preparing a massive 20-tonne laddu to mark the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya on January 22.

The colossal laddu, aimed to become the world’s largest, will be carried in a grand rally across Rourkela, known as the Steel City. Currently, the record for the world’s largest laddu is held by an 8-tonne confection.

“We aim to create the biggest laddu in the world as a tribute to the historic event. Last year, we lit the largest earthen lamp to commemorate the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol,” said a member of the organization.

A local sweet stall owner has been entrusted with the preparation of the laddu. “A specially designed large container has been brought for this purpose. We are determined to create this 20-tonne laddu for the occasion,” the sweet maker shared.

Funds for the initiative have been raised through contributions from residents of Rourkela. After being offered to Ram Lalla, the laddu will be distributed among the locals, especially children.

The celebration will include a rally, starting from Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium and culminating at Hanuman Vatika. More than one lakh people are expected to join the procession on January 22.

“This event is not just about setting records; it’s about community spirit and devotion. After offering the laddu to Ram Lalla, we will share it with schoolchildren and others in the city,” said another member of the foundation.