Celebrating the Millet Queen Festival (Mandia Rani Parba) in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Many people know about Raimati Ghiuria, also called the 'Queen of Millets,' but not everyone has heard about the special festival dedicated to millets, called the 'Millet Queen Festival' (Mandia Rani Parba in Odia). In this article, we’ll explore this unique celebration. 

A Festival Rooted in Tradition 

The Millet Queen Festival (Mandia Rani Parba) is a significant event for the tribal communities in southern Odisha. It takes place in the first part of the month of Shravan, right after the Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath. This festival marks the completion of millet seedling planting. The villagers gather in the courtyard of their village deity, bringing along the freshly planted millet seedlings. They perform rituals and offer prayers, then celebrate together with dancing and singing. 

From Poor Man's Food to Superfood 

Just a few decades ago, millet was considered the food of the poor. Today, it has gained recognition as a superfood and is eaten by people of all backgrounds. Scientists have discovered that millet is packed with important nutrients and health benefits. It’s now celebrated worldwide, and the United Nations has even declared this year as the Year of Millets. 

The Health Benefits of Millets 

Millets are very nutritious. They contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that our bodies need. They are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect us from diseases like cancer. Eating millet can be beneficial for people with heart disease, diabetes, and muscle problems. According to the American National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), millet can reduce the risk of serious diseases like cancer. 

Growing Millet in Odisha 

Millet production in Odisha has been steadily increasing. In 2017-18, the state produced one lakh metric tons of millet, and by 2022-23, this number had more than doubled to 2.26 lakh metric tons. The area where millet is grown has also expanded significantly over the past five years. 

Fomer Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain informed the Odisha Legislative Assembly about these improvements. He said that after Karnataka, Odisha is now the second-largest millet-producing state in India. 

Supporting Farmers and Increasing Production 

In 2017-18, millet cultivation covered 1.14 lakh hectares, and by 2022-23, it had grown to 1.79 lakh hectares. The state’s investment in the Odisha Millet Mission increased from 11.4 crore rupees to 292.2 crore rupees during the same period. In 2022, Odisha actively purchased around six lakh quintals of millet. 

Conclusion 

Thanks to the Odisha Millet Mission, there has been significant growth in millet production, better implementation of farming practices, and an increase in cultivated areas. Proper procurement and processing are now in place, and the government is helping millet farmers improve their livelihoods. 

Today, millets can be found in many health food stores. They are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants, making them a valuable part of a healthy diet. The Millet Queen Festival (Mandia Rani Parba) not only celebrates this wonderful grain but also honors the hard work of the farmers who grow it.