Bhubaneswar: In a bid to promote the use of millet, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has urged the people of the state to offer millet-based dishes to Goddess Lakshmi during the upcoming Manabasa Gurubara festival.
This initiative is expected to significantly boost millet consumption and revive traditional practices in Odisha.
The appeal was made during the International Symposium on Shree Anna (millet) and Forgotten Foods, organized by the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department. CM Majhi emphasized the nutritional benefits of millet and its importance in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.
“Millets are not only nutritious but also climate-resilient crops. By incorporating them into our religious practices, we can promote their use and support local farmers,” said Majhi. He specifically called on women to prepare and offer millet-based dishes during the Manabasa Gurubara Puja, a festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, celebrated on Thursdays in the Hindu month of Margashira.
The Chief Minister highlighted that this initiative aligns with the state’s efforts to make Odisha a millet hub. The government has allocated ₹649 crore in this year’s budget to support millet cultivation and consumption. Majhi also announced plans to collaborate with food bloggers to introduce innovative millet recipes to households, making these traditional grains more appealing to the younger generation.
The first Manabasa Gurubara Puja of the Margashira month will be observed on November 21, and the Chief Minister’s call is expected to see a significant response from the public. This move is seen as a step towards integrating cultural and religious practices with sustainable agricultural development.
