New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s rich culinary traditions, saying that while bela pana remains a cherished summer drink in Odisha, similar traditional beverages are enjoyed across different regions of the country.
“When you visit Punjab and Haryana, you are welcomed with a refreshing lassi. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, chaas, or buttermilk, becomes an inseparable part of every meal. In Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, there’s nothing to beat sattu sharbat. This drink fills the stomach and provides energy for a long time. In Konkan and Goa, kokum sharbat and solkadhi are popular. In South India, one savors panakam, neer mor, and sambar, while in Odisha, bel pana is the favourite summer drink,” PM Modi said during the 134th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
He stressed that these drinks are not merely refreshments but an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. “Bharat’s traditional summer drinks are deeply rooted in the customs and cultures of different regions across the country. Each beverage tells a unique story, together showcasing the vibrant diversity of India and reinforcing the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” he added.
The Prime Minister further said that summer in India is synonymous with mangoes, and there is hardly a home where the king of fruits is not eagerly awaited and celebrated. “With the advent of summers, another discussion begins in every household – that is about Mangoes. Every region has its own mango, its own flavour, its own aroma. Maharashtra and Konkan’s Hapus, Alphonso, Gujarat’s Kesar, it’s the soul of Aamras, Uttar Pradesh’s Dussehri, and my Kashi’s Langra. Incidentally, the Langra mango has a special quality: it often remains green even after ripening. Bihar’s Zardalu, whose aroma can be recognised from afar. Chausa, Malda – each name has memories associated with it. Go to South India, and there’s Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelam, Malgova, Bengal’s Himsagar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh’s Suvarnarekha. In other words, as the place changes, the mango’s appearance, colour, and taste also change,” he noted.
Modi also commended the tireless efforts of mango growers, whose dedication and perseverance ensure that this cherished seasonal delight reaches millions of families every year globally. “… The journey of mango is now also reaching from villages to the global market… I would like to praise my farmer friends associated with mango cultivation…”
Meanwhile, more consignments from Rayagada and Sambalpur have been sent to Delhi as Mother Dairy continues to source premium mangoes from the state.
