Bhubaneswar: In a novel initiative to promote Odia culture and cuisine, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) organised ‘Pana Prastuti Parba’ (‘Pana’ making ceremony) in Bhubaneswar on the eve of Pana Sankranti on Thursday.
The Maha Bishuba Sankranti, which marks the beginning of Odia New Year, is also celebrated as Pana Sankranti as the day marks preparation and consumption of ‘Pana’, a loTcal concoction for summer.
Attending the function, Minister of Tourism Aswini Kumar Patra said, “Pana as a beverage is deeply rooted in Odia culture and forms an integral part of various festivities so much so that the Maha Bishuba Sankranti, which marks the beginning of Odia New Year, is more commonly known as Pana Sankranti. This simple, delicious and thirst-quenching cool beverage is traditionally prepared using milk, chhena (cottage cheese), jaggery and an assortment of various fresh and dry fruits, especially Bael (wood apple).”
Around 25 celebrity chefs and food bloggers joined the Tourism Minister, Chairman OTDC and other officials in Pana mixing ceremony which had a special table laden with dry ingredients used to prepare Pana by adding it to the liquid ingredients. Executive Chef of Nimantran Sanjoy Sarkar explained the process of Pana preparation following which the guests carried out the mixing. The Pana prepared during this ceremony was later distributed among guests as well as the public.
On this occasion, two traditional panas – one using Bael as the main ingredient and another with chhena and mix fruits – was prepared by the food bloggers and celebrity chefs. Further, Detox Pana – a modern take on the traditional Pana – was also demonstrated which combined blanched spinach, fresh green veggies and fruits with honey for a nutrient rich twist to traditional beverage suitable for the health conscious.
OTDC Chairman Lenin Mohanty highlighted the importance of Pana and its health benefits, especially in beating the heat during the summer. He urged the food blogger community and media to promote Odia culture and food associated with it to keep this centuries-old unique traditions alive.
Earlier, the minister inaugurated the ‘Jala Chhatra’ (water kiosk) set up by Odisha Tourism at Janpath, where visitors can avail free drinking water to quench their thirst and keep themselves hydrated during the scorching summer. Total 30 Jala Chhatras will be made operational across Odisha, especially in major tourist sites, railway stations, and other locations frequented by travellers/visitors, for 60 days till June.
Additional secretary Ananta Narayan Singh Laguri, joint secretary Ellora Bharati Jena, financial advisor Raj Kishore Palei, general manager of OTDC Lagnajit Rout, OSD Tourism Ansuman Rath, divisional manager OTDC Abhijit Swain and other senior officials were present.
The event concluded with an announcement of a special pure vegetarian ‘Sankranti Meal Platter’ to be made available for guests visiting Nimantran outlets on the day of Odia New Year.
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