Odisha Women Redefine Tradition and Entrepreneurship at Subhadra Shakti Food Competition Finale

Bhubaneswar: A culinary journey rooted in tradition and driven by ambition reached its grand finale in Bhubaneswar today as the Subhadra Shakti Traditional Food Competition concluded with much fanfare at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon. Organised by the Mission Shakti Department, Government of Odisha, the event celebrated the rich culinary heritage of the state while spotlighting the entrepreneurial potential of women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The finale brought together ten exceptional teams from districts including Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Nuapada, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Boudh, Jagatsinghpur, and Nabarangpur. These teams had emerged victorious in rigorous block and district-level contests, followed by a semi-final round held at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Bhubaneswar on July 20. Before reaching the final stage, they were provided with a week-long residential training at IHM to enhance their culinary and presentation skills.

The final competition was held in a serene and festive atmosphere, with each team cooking at dedicated workstations equipped with induction cooktops, utensils, and a stocked pantry. The colourful décor and green pathways reflected the celebratory spirit of Odisha’s diverse food culture.

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, who attended the event, applauded the efforts of the participating women. “Balancing family responsibilities with the drive to create something of their own is true empowerment. This platform is not just about reviving traditional food—it’s about nurturing women entrepreneurs who can shape the future of a self-reliant Odisha,” she said. She also commended the Mission Shakti team for meticulous planning and successful execution of the state-wide initiative.

Adding star power to the event, MasterChef India Season 6 winner Chef Abinash led the jury panel, alongside Chef Suraj, Executive Chef of Mayfair Hotel, and Chef Sambit Suman from IHM Bhubaneswar. Their insights brought professional credibility to the judging process, marking a rare and inspiring collaboration between homegrown talent and hospitality experts.

The top honours went to Shree Sakambari SHG from Dhenkanal, which was declared the winner and awarded ₹2 lakh. Maa Gadachandi SHG from Cuttack and Maa Dhana Khetrapal SHG from Mayurbhanj were named first and second runners-up, winning ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh respectively.

Senior officials from the Mission Shakti Department, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Smt. Shalini Pandit and Director Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, were present at the event along with other dignitaries.

The Subhadra Shakti Traditional Food Competition has proven to be a unique blend of cultural preservation and economic opportunity. By turning age-old culinary wisdom into avenues of self-reliance, the initiative is enabling women to transform their identities—from home cooks to confident entrepreneurs—and setting a model for inclusive development in the state.