Bhadrak: The popular sweet delicacy ‘Palua Ladu’ from Bhadrak will soon be served as part of the refreshment menu at official meetings across the district.
Bhadrak Collector Dilip Routrai on Monday directed all concerned officials to include the traditional sweet in refreshment packets distributed during district-level meetings.
The Collector issued instructions to the Additional District Magistrate, Chief Development Officer, Sub-Collector, Tehsildars, and Block Development Officers, encouraging them to ensure that at least one piece of Palua Ladu is included in each refreshment pack served at meetings organized by their departments or sections.
The move is part of a broader effort to promote ‘Palua Ladu’ as a symbol of Bhadrak’s cultural heritage. The district administration is currently in the process of applying for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the sweet, which is made using arrowroot (palua) and holds a special place in the local cuisine.
Collector Routrai said that serving Palua Ladu at official gatherings would not only introduce its unique taste to visitors and officials but also help popularize the delicacy and support local artisans engaged in its preparation.
“By including Palua Ladu in our meeting refreshments, we can showcase Bhadrak’s rich culinary tradition and provide a boost to local producers,” he said. He also emphasized that promoting such traditional items aligns with the larger goal of preserving and celebrating Odia Asmita (Odia pride).
