Bhubaneswar, Jul 4: A bill showing an expenditure of nearly ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore for the celebration of Pakhala Divas has triggered a political controversy in Odisha, with the Opposition accusing the state government of extravagant spending on what is traditionally considered a simple meal.
According to a bill submitted by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) to the Director of the Odisha Tourism Department for the observance of Pakhala Divas on March 20 this year, the event incurred expenses running into crores of rupees. The document has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism and raising questions over the scale of expenditure.
The issue has sparked a political row, with Opposition parties targeting the government over the reported spending. While both the OTDC and the Odisha Tourism Department have remained silent on the matter, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida defended the expenditure.
Responding to the controversy, Parida said the initiative was aimed at promoting Pakhala and Odia cuisine on the global stage. She explained that the event was organised on a grand scale as part of efforts to secure recognition in the Guinness World Records and to showcase Odisha's traditional food internationally.
"It is true that Pakhala has long been regarded as the food of the common man. However, if we want to present it before the world and showcase it across multiple countries, we need to organise the event on an international scale," she said.
The minister further stated that the government's vision is to elevate traditional Odia cuisine to premium hospitality platforms, including five-star hotels, while ensuring that iconic dishes such as Pakhala gain recognition beyond the state's borders.
"We want all our traditional dishes to find a place in five-star hotels. The food that has long been associated with ordinary Odias should also be enjoyed by celebrities and people across the world," Parida added.
Despite the government's justification, the reported expenditure has continued to fuel public debate, with many questioning whether such a large amount was warranted for celebrating a traditional dish known for its simplicity and cultural roots.
