Bhubaneswar: The ongoing Eco-Retreat initiative in Odisha is offering a delightful blend of luxury tourism and sustainable practices, with millet-based foods taking center stage. Running from December 1, 2024, to March 15, 2025, this premier tourism program spans seven breathtaking locations—Konark, Putsil, Sonapur, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, and Hirakud—showcasing the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Visitors to the retreats are treated to a wide array of experiences, including luxury camping, water sports, and traditional Odia cultural performances. The culinary offerings, however, are stealing the spotlight, with locally prepared millet-based dishes becoming a crowd favorite. The Shree Anna Abhiyan, a flagship program of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, has introduced millet delicacies at the Konark, Daringbadi, Putsil, and Sonapur locations, prepared by Women Self-Help Group (WSHG) members.
The menu features a mix of traditional and innovative millet dishes, such as Poda Pitha, Ragi Ladoo, Kakara Pitha, and Malpua, alongside modern creations like Ragi Chowmein, Millet Dahi Vada, and Ragi Sandwiches. For snack lovers, options include Ragi Cookies, Sorghum Sev, and Ragi Murukku. Additionally, visitors can savor millet specialties like Ragi Idli, Little Millet Kheer, and Ragi Upma at Daringbadi and Putsil.
Beyond dining, the initiative also allows guests to purchase organically harvested millet grains and snacks, promoting healthy eating habits. Many visitors have expressed interest in learning about the nutritional benefits of millets, adding an educational dimension to their culinary journey.
The involvement of WSHG members has been a standout feature of this initiative. Their homemade millet dishes, prepared with authenticity and care, have garnered widespread appreciation. Their efforts not only enrich the guest experience but also empower local communities, aligning with the Eco-Retreat’s sustainable ethos.
