Bhubaneswar, June 13: To celebrate Odisha’s agrarian festival Raja, the School of Hotel Management (SHM) under Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) organised a Raja Pitha Competition on Friday, bringing together women and young girls to showcase their culinary skills and traditional delicacies.
Around 30 contestants above the age of 18 participated in the competition, displaying an impressive array of traditional Odia pithas. Various varieties of Poda Pitha, including Sapuri Chaula Poda Pitha, Pumpkin Poda Pitha, Rice Poda Pitha, Kheera Poda Pitha, Biri Poda Pitha, Mushroom Poda Pitha, Mahula Poda Pitha, Ragi Poda Pitha, Papaya Poda Pitha and Bottle Gourd Poda Pitha, were among the highlights of the event.
Several other traditional delicacies such as Budha Chakuli, Chhena Manda, Biri Khaja, Mango Kakara, Chandrakanti, Suji Manda, Arisa Pitha, Enduri Pitha, Ragi Kakara, Coconut Modak, Sago Rasabali and a host of innovative pitha preparations were also exhibited by the participants.
The entries were judged on the basis of taste, presentation, appearance, serving style and innovation. The judging panel comprised Prof. Sushanta Ranjan Chaini, Dean of the Institute of Hotel Management; Jachindra Jena, HR Head of Lyfe Hotel, Bhubaneswar; Chef Satyasoubhagya Lenka; and Prof. Patitapaban Lenka.
Welcoming the participants and guests, Prof. Chaini lauded the enthusiasm shown by the contestants and encouraged them to continue preserving and promoting Odisha’s culinary traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Jachindra Jena said that pitha competitions serve as an effective platform to showcase Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while providing women with an opportunity to highlight their hidden talents. He praised SOA SHM for organising the event and creating a platform for women and young girls to express their creativity through traditional cuisine.
Guest of honour and SOA Vice-Chancellor-cum-Registrar Prof. Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan emphasised the need for women to become self-reliant and bring their talents to the forefront. He commended the participants for their innovative culinary creations and efforts to preserve traditional food practices.
Winners of the competition were felicitated with prizes. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Smita Sucharita Mahapatra, Programme Coordinator and Professor at SHM.
