Everyday throughout the year fiftysix varieties of dishes are prepared and offered to the Deities of the Jagannath Temple. These consist of preparation of rice,dal and other selected vegetables. The food cooked in accordance with prescribed procedures, and is offered first to Lord Jagannath and then to Goddess Vimala after which it turns into Mahaprasad. Mahaprasad, the holy food, is freely shared by people of all castes and creeds without any discrimination. In all religious and social rituals in Puri and Orissa, Mahaprasad plays a very important role. Exchange of Mahaprasad between two persons belonging to two different castes binds them in an abiding relationship.