Pithe Puli Utsav highlights cultural heritage, traditional food, and rural self-reliance, says Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath. The festival showcases women empowerment, SHG growth, healthy eating habits, and economic transformation in rural communities.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need to preserve traditional culture and food habits, stating that cultural continuity is essential for both physical well-being and social identity. Addressing the Pithe Puli Utsav at Kathalia Higher Secondary School in Dhanpur, the Minister highlighted the deep connection between tradition, health, and self-reliance.
Speaking to a large gathering, Nath said that globalization has significantly altered food habits, often at the cost of nutritional value and cultural heritage. He urged people, especially the younger generation, to rediscover traditional seasonal foods that were once a staple in households.
“During this season, our mothers prepared traditional items such as pithe, puli, nadu, muri-based sweets, and flattened rice delicacies. These foods are healthy and suited to our climate. Today, many people are shifting towards street food, which is contributing to an increase in stomach-related ailments,” the Minister said. He clarified that he was not opposing modern food choices but stressed the importance of balance and awareness.
The Agriculture Minister described the Pithe Puli Utsav as more than a food festival, calling it a celebration of culture, tradition, and economic self-reliance. According to him, such festivals play a vital role in reconnecting society with its roots while also empowering rural communities.
Highlighting the role of Self Help Groups (SHGs), Nath said they have become the backbone of the rural economy and a powerful instrument for women’s empowerment. He shared data showing remarkable progress in the SHG sector under the present government.
“In our state, there are 54,627 Self Help Groups with nearly 4.89 lakh members. Before 2018, only 3,506 groups received revolving funds amounting to Rs 4.26 crore. After 2018, our government has provided Rs 75 crore to 36,530 groups,” he said.
The Minister further informed that access to institutional credit has expanded significantly. “Earlier, around 900 groups received bank loans totaling Rs 4 crore. Now, more than one lakh groups have received loans amounting to Rs 1,896 crore. This is true self-reliance in action,” Nath stated.
He added that over one lakh women in the state have achieved the status of ‘Lakhpati Didi,’ showcasing how grassroots economic initiatives can transform families and communities. According to him, the government’s approach is focused on action rather than rhetoric, with tangible outcomes visible across rural areas.
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Reflecting on the cultural significance of the festival, Nath said Pithe Puli Utsav symbolizes the aroma of the soil, the warmth of traditional kitchens, and the nurturing touch of home-cooked food. He noted that preserving tradition does not mean rejecting modernity but strengthening roots while moving forward.
Former Minister of State Pratima Bhoumik, MLA Bindu Debnath, and other dignitaries were present at the event. The festival featured traditional food displays prepared by local women and SHGs, reinforcing the message of cultural pride, nutritional awareness, and women-led self-reliance.
