Bhubaneswar: At the heart of Odisha’s vibrant Raja Parba celebrations this year is a unique revival—one that stirs both memory and appetite. The Subhadra Shakti Food Festival, currently underway at the Vikash Mela of IDCO Exhibition Ground is offering more than just delicacies. It is celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the state, lovingly brought back to life by women from various Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Spanning from June 11 to 18, the festival brings together 26 SHG-run stalls, each curated to serve a taste of Odisha’s traditional fare. From long-forgotten dishes to rustic flavours once central to Odia households, the festival is drawing thousands of visitors. As of June 14, sales had already crossed Rs 10 lakh, with even higher footfall anticipated in the final days.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, positioning it as a major highlight of the Raja Parba festivities.
A Nostalgic Gastronomic Journey
Stalls offer a journey through Odisha’s culinary history, from the tangy Dahibara Aloodum to sweet delights like Chenapoda, Khaja, Rasabali, and Malpua. Live counters for pithas—including Chakuli, Dosa, and Kheer Mohana—attract large crowds, serving warm delicacies with chutneys and curries prepared the traditional way.
Heritage foods such as Pakhala, Biri Chakuli, Sija Pitha, Poda Pitha, Mudhi Mutton, Chaul Bara, Patrapoda, and the ever-popular Macha Ambila are reclaiming space in public memory and modern menus.
“What makes this festival special is not just the food, but the story each dish tells,” said an SHG stallholder. “These are recipes passed down through generations, and we are proud to be bringing them back.”
Culture Meets Commerce
Odisha’s cuisine has always been deeply tied to its culture. Traditionally, festivals like Raja are incomplete without home-cooked pithas, chaats, and sweets made from local produce. The festival serves as a reminder that every bite carries a piece of history—and every recipe, a legacy.
Beyond the culinary revival, the Subhadra Shakti Food Festival is also a strong economic platform. Women managing these stalls are not only showcasing their culinary skills but also stepping into roles as entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors.
Special attention has been given to climate-smart and nutritious ingredients, including millets, jackfruit, turmeric, and ginger, featured in bakery items, snacks, and beverages. Millet-based cookies, fusion bakes, and health drinks are finding favour with health-conscious visitors, while children enjoy a mix of traditional sweets and contemporary treats like ice creams and cold beverages.
Empowering Lakhpati Didis
With four more days of business ahead, many SHG members are on track to earn significant incomes—some nearing the Rs 1 lakh mark. This aligns with the Government of India’s Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to empower rural women economically.
“Tradition is becoming a livelihood,” said a local coordinator. “These women are not just cooking—they’re building futures.”
As Odisha celebrates Raja Parba, the Subhadra Shakti Food Festival stands out as a testament to the power of food to revive culture, drive commerce, and empower communities. It’s a space where tradition meets opportunity—and where the past is nourishing the future.
