The Shree Anna Abhiyan, a flagship programme of Odisha Government, is laying emphasis on promoting millet-based foods and grains at the Eco-Retreat locations of Konark, Daringbadi, Putsil, and Sonapur tourist destinations, an official said on Thursday.

Eco-Retreat, an Odisha tourism initiative running from 1 December to 15 March 15 2025 is a premium tourism experience that showcases the state’s natural beauty while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

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Guests can indulge in luxury camping, water sports, and immersive cultural experiences, including savouring local Odia cuisine including the mouth smacking millet dishes made by theWomen Self-Help Group (WSHG) members giving the taste of homemade food millets, enjoying folk music, and witnessing traditional dance performances. The seven Eco-Retreat locations are Konark, Putsil, Sonapur, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, Satkosia and Hirakud, added the official.

Visitors to these Eco-Retreats can now enjoy an array of traditional and contemporary millet delicacies prepared by the skilled hands of WSHG members. The menu includes authentic dishes made out of different millets such as Poda Pitha, Ragi ladoo, Kakara Pitha, Manda Pitha, and Malpua, alongside innovative recipes like Ragi Chowmein, Ragi sandwich, Millet non-veg fritters and Millet Dahi Vada etc. For those who prefer snacks, options include Ragi Cookies, Ragi Nimki, Sorghum Sev, Ragi Mixture, Ragi Murukku,Ragi Mixture and many more.

This initiative has generated interest among visitors of all ages. Millet menu is also included at Daringbadi and Putsil Eco- Retreat locations in support with Shree Anna Abhiyan for the guests staying in the luxurious executive tents, set up by the Tourism Department. The millet menu included Ragi Idli, Little Millet kheer, Ragi upma etc. People are not only enjoying these wholesome delicacies but are also showing keen interest in learning about millets and their health benefits. Apart from this, organically harvested millet grains and other millet snacks items are available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home healthy foods.

The WSHG members, with their warm hospitality, are providing guests with a memorable culinary experience. Their hand-cooked dishes, marketed with authenticity, affordability, and exceptional taste, are winning hearts and palates alike, claimed the officials.