Bhubaneswar: Odisha is endowed with rich geographical diversity, so the diverse culinary heritage too. Mission Shakti Department has taken a novel initiative to bring out the regional flavours to a competition platform, in the title of Subhadra Shakti Traditional Food Competition. Culinary competitions among women of Self-help Groups were held in all Blocks and Urban Local Bodies in the State and the selected bests had to compete in the District level competitions in their respective districts. The winner teams from thirty districts have reported at Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar to undergo professional training to sharpen their skills and fetch themselves a prepared participation in the State level competition. At the end of the training on 20.7.2025, there will be the Semi-final round to shortlist the best ten teams who will meet in the finale on 22.7.2025 at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar. This training marks a crucial milestone
The districts teams were given today a warm welcome at Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar to mark the start of the week-long training. The meeting was attended by Chef Abinash Nayak, winner of the 6th edition of the MasterChef India, Sharada Ghose, Principal, IHM, Chef Suraj Kumar Sahoo, Executive Chef, Mayfair Lagoon Hotel, hosts of officers of Mission Shakti Department and staff of IHM Bhubaneswar.
It is expected that the initiative will foster food entrepreneurship among women and it will also have its footmark on the financial evolution of women as Lakhpati Didi. The event promises a vibrant showcase of Odisha’s culinary richness, from millet-based sweets and mandia chakuli to seasonal delicacies like mudhi mansa, sija pitha, biri chakuli, and chhena jhilli. Many dishes will feature local ingredients such as jackfruit, kandamula, turmeric, and wild greens, underscoring a return to nutritious, sustainable food systems.
An esteemed jury panel of chefs, nutritionists, and hospitality leaders will evaluate the dishes on parameters such as authenticity, taste, presentation, innovation, storytelling, and entrepreneurial potential. At the end of the day-long showcase, 10 SHG teams will be selected as finalists who will advance to the Grand Finale on 22nd July 2025.
Meanwhile, Kitchen Assistants from each team will receive dedicated training at Mission Shakti Bhawan from 17th to 19th July 2025, focusing on soft skills and professional kitchen support roles.
The Grand Finale, scheduled to take place at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon in Bhubaneswar, will mark the culmination of the Subhadra Shakti Traditional Food Competition and stand as a powerful tribute to women-led culinary excellence and grassroots entrepreneurship. At the conclusion of the final round, the top three SHG teams will be felicitated with substantial cash prizes, recognising their creativity, skill, and enterprise potential. The first prize winner will receive ₹2,00,000, the second prize will be ₹1,50,000 and the third prize will carry an award of ₹1,00,000. These prizes are aimed at encouraging the winners to take their culinary ventures forward and transform their passion into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The initiative is a vital part of the broader Subhadra Shakti Cafe and Food Mela ecosystem under Odisha Livelihoods Mission and Mission Shakti, designed to increase market access, visibility, and income generation for SHG women in the food and hospitality sector.
As Odisha continues its journey toward Viksit Odisha, the Subhadra Shakti Traditional Food Competition stands as a beacon of how culture, skill, and entrepreneurship can come together to shape a more inclusive and empowered future for women.
