Bhubaneswar: During Raja, the most awaited 3-day fest, eating paan is a ritual for one and all. One can get a variety of Paan such as Dilkhus, Dil Diwana, Paan Shots, Paan Lassi, Rasmalai Paan, Rabidi Paan, Fire Paan, etc at a number of shops in the city. At least 250 to 300 paan shops in Bhubaneswar which sell special paan exclusively for Raja.
The paan makers ensure that all raw materials are stocked in advance well before Raja. “We make at least 1500 paan everyday during Raja. The fervour lasts for at least four more days, even after the festival is over,” a paan shop owner said. People who do not even partake of Paan (betel) in general, make it a point to have one on Raja. Odias also present Paan to others as a way of greeting on this occasion.
Nowdays there are flavoured and different ones like Frozen Paan with white caramel, black forest, strawberry, etc. The Fire Paan is also in the vogue in the city. The price of ‘Mitha Paan’ (sweet Paan) ranges between Rs 20 to Rs 300, depending on the ingredients a customer wants. People from all age groups throng paan shops to buy their share of the mouth watering masalas wrapped in the beetle leaf, during Raja.
