Bhubaneswar: Guests from abroad attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) convention in Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, were treated to a culinary delight as they savored traditional Odia dishes, showcasing the rich and unique flavors of the state.
The menu included regional delicacies such as Dalma (a mix of pulses and vegetables), Saga Muga (leaf and moong dal preparation), Kukuda Aloo Jhola (chicken curry), and the iconic sweet Chenapoda (baked cheese dessert). Despite the availability of North Indian and continental dishes, the guests were particularly impressed by the traditional Odia platter.
“For the first time, I tasted Odia dishes like Saga Muga, Dalma, Rasgulla, and Chaula Khiri. They were not overly spicy and tasted amazing,” said K V Rathee, an NRI from Canada.
Praising the hospitality and the delectable Odia cuisine, NRI Raman Tanga remarked on the mouth-watering sweet dishes and the simplicity yet richness of Dalma. Similarly, Falguni Patel from Uganda appreciated the state’s effort to promote Odia cuisine on such a significant platform.
Massive Culinary Arrangements
The dishes were prepared by a team of 1,500 chefs led by Mridul Mandal, the chief chef of a private hotel catering to the event. Mandal revealed that they prepared food for approximately 10,000 people daily, including VVIPs like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
“Odia dishes like Pariba Ghanta (vegetable mix), Kanika (sweet rice), and Macha Besara (fish cooked with mustard) were served alongside North Indian and continental options,” Mandal shared. Prime Minister Modi was served the signature sweet Chenapoda, further elevating the importance of traditional Odia cuisine.
Promoting Culture and Tourism
The Odisha government, hosting the three-day event at Janata Maidan from January 8, also arranged Home Stays to provide guests with an immersive experience of Odia culture. Additionally, 31 tourist destinations in and around Bhubaneswar and Puri were identified to highlight the state’s rich architecture, heritage, and history.
The successful blend of culinary art and cultural promotion at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas has left an indelible impression on the international guests, positioning Odisha as a vibrant and culturally rich destination.
Sources By Agencies