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Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Odia community celebrates Raja fest in Hamburg
1 2 3 4 Rourkela: The Odia Association Hamburg and North Germany celebrated Raja Parba, a traditional festival honouring womanhood and the monsoon season, with great enthusiasm in Hamburg on Sunday. The celebration brought together Odia families from Hamburg and neighbouring cities like Pinneberg and Lübeck, transforming a corner of Germany into a slice of Odisha for the day. "Raja is not just a festival. It celebrates femininity, nature, and our deep connection with the land," said Jayashree Sahoo, a member of the Odia Association Hamburg and North Germany. "Celebrating it here in Hamburg brings back memories of our roots and helps the next generation feel proud of their heritage." The event featured traditional elements, including decorated jhulas (swings), where women and children participated in the customary swinging ritual. Attendees, dressed in traditional attire, danced to popular Odia folk songs like 'Banaste Dakila Gaja'. A highlight of the celebration was the authentic Odia cuisine served at the venue. The menu included traditional delicacies such as 'poda pitha', 'kakera Pitha', 'chandrakanti', and kheeri among the sweets, while savoury dishes featured 'chingudi jhola', 'mutton jhola', 'ambula rai', and 'chattu besar'. The traditional pan was also served as part of the celebrations.


Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Joha rice's global leap, finds market in Dubai
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: State's prized Joha paddy has reached a global milestone with its first major export to Dubai. On Sunday, state water resources minister Pijush Hazarika flagged off a 10-tonne consignment from Demow in Sivasagar district, marking a significant step in Assam's agri-export sector. The paddy, cultivated by farmers in Nitaipukhuri and Demow, showcases the growing international demand for the state's indigenous crops. Joha rice is a fragrant variety unique to Assam, cherished for its distinct aroma, delicate flavour, and small grain size. Primarily grown in the Brahmaputra Valley, it holds cultural significance in Assamese cuisine, often featuring in festive dishes like Pitha, Payokh, and Jolpan. Beyond its culinary appeal, Joha rice is valued for its health benefits, including a low glycemic index and antioxidant properties, making it a sought-after health food. At the flag-off ceremony, minister Pijush Hazarika expressed pride in the export, saying, "The shipment of Joha paddy to Dubai showcases the global recognition of Assam's agricultural heritage. Our farmers have nurtured this traditional variety for generations, and now the world will experience its uniqueness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do MEPs see you as a cash cow? The Critic Undo With the Middle Eastern market appreciating specialty rice and a substantial Indian expatriate population, this is a promising opportunity for Joha rice to establish its presence internationally. " Thowra constituency MLA Sushanta Borgohain, who attended the event alongside the district agriculture officer and other officials, emphasised the economic potential of the initiative. "Global demand for premium, aromatic rice is increasing, and Joha rice is well-positioned to compete at the highest level. By connecting our local produce to international markets, we are boosting farmers' income while promoting sustainable agriculture," Borgohain said. Farmers from Nitaipukhuri and Demow expressed optimism about this new opportunity. "We have been growing Joha paddy using traditional methods passed down for generations. Seeing our produce reach global markets gives us hope for better prices and recognition of our efforts," said Prabhat Gogoi, a farmer from Nitaipukhuri. The export was facilitated by Jyoti Agricultural Service Group, Sivasagar, with support from the department of agriculture and Assam Agribusiness & Rural Transformation Project.