CM Majhi Thanks PM Modi for Praising Odisha's Belpana on Mann Ki Baat
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Mann Ki Baat spotlighted Belpana, the traditional Odia wood-apple drink offered as prasad during Pana Sankranti, calling the national recognition a boost for Odisha's cultural identity.
Key Takeaways
CM Mohan Charan Majhi publicly thanked PM Narendra Modi on 1 June 2026 for praising Belpana on Mann Ki Baat .
Belpana is a wood-apple-based drink offered as prasad during Pana Sankranti , the Odia new year festival.
Mann Ki Baat has been a monthly platform since October 2014 to spotlight regional traditions across India.
The recognition aligns with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme launched in 2015 to promote inter-state cultural exchange.
CM Majhi said the spotlight would 'strengthen Odisha's distinct identity on the world stage.' Observers note the feature could pave the way for a GI tag or state-sponsored promotion of Belpana.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, 1 June 2026, publicly thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Modi praised the traditional Odia drink Belpana on his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, calling the recognition a moment of pride for Odisha's cultural identity.
Context
In his post, CM Majhi wrote in Odia: 'Belpana Odia sanskrutira eka abhinna anga' — 'Belpana is an inseparable part of Odia culture.' He emphasised that the drink is not merely a beverage but is offered as prasad (a sacred offering) during Pana Sankranti, the annual Odia new year festival, with deep devotion and faith. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for presenting this tradition as an inspiration for the entire country.
Majhi further noted that Belpana, prepared from natural ingredients including the wood apple (bel fruit), is not only beneficial for health but also a living example of Odisha's ancient food culture and local knowledge systems. He expressed confidence that such recognition would 'strengthen our distinct identity on the world stage.'
Policy Backdrop
Mann Ki Baat was launched by Prime Minister Modi in October 2014 as a monthly radio address to connect with citizens and spotlight grassroots practices, regional festivals, and local traditions from across India. The programme has previously featured beverages, rituals, and artisanal practices from various states, establishing a pattern of cultural visibility for regional heritage.
The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, initiated in 2015, similarly aims to promote inter-state cultural exchange and recognition of local traditions at the national level. The highlighting of Belpana fits squarely within this broader policy framework of elevating indigenous knowledge systems through prime ministerial communication.
Stakeholders and Impact
The acknowledgement carries immediate symbolic weight for Odia communities, traditional knowledge holders, and artisans who prepare and sell Belpana during the Pana Sankranti season. National-level visibility through Mann Ki Baat has, in past instances, translated into increased tourist interest and demand for regionally specific food products.
For the BJP government in Odisha — which came to power in the state in 2024 under CM Majhi — the episode also reinforces political alignment between the state administration and the central government, projecting a shared cultural agenda to the electorate.
What's Next
Cultural affairs observers note that Mann Ki Baat features have previously catalysed state-level proposals for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging and tourism packaging of highlighted products. A formal GI tag or state-sponsored promotion campaign for Belpana could be among the follow-up steps that the Odisha government considers. Subsequent episodes of Mann Ki Baat may also feature additional traditions from eastern India, continuing the pattern of regional cultural recognition.
Point of View
The public acknowledgement serves a dual purpose: it reinforces the cultural credentials of his year-old BJP government in Odisha and signals a harmonious Centre-state relationship. The episode also fits a well-established pattern where Mann Ki Baat visibility has acted as a soft policy signal, occasionally preceding formal recognition such as GI tagging or inclusion in national tourism campaigns. Taken together, the exchange illustrates how cultural diplomacy between New Delhi and state capitals increasingly operates through social media amplification of broadcast moments.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Belpana and why is it significant in Odisha?
Belpana is a traditional Odia drink made from the wood apple (bel fruit) and natural ingredients. It holds deep cultural and religious significance as it is offered as prasad — a sacred offering — during Pana Sankranti, the Odia new year festival, and is considered an inseparable part of Odia cultural identity.
Why did CM Mohan Charan Majhi thank PM Modi?
CM Majhi thanked PM Modi because Modi praised Belpana on his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, bringing national attention to the traditional Odia drink and presenting it as an inspiration for the entire country.
What is Mann Ki Baat?
Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio address launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2014. The programme is used to discuss citizen issues, grassroots initiatives, and regional cultural traditions from across India.
What is Pana Sankranti?
Pana Sankranti is the annual Odia new year festival during which Belpana is traditionally prepared and offered as prasad with devotion and faith. It is one of the most important cultural and religious occasions in Odisha.
Could Belpana receive a GI tag after the Mann Ki Baat mention?
Cultural observers note that national visibility through Mann Ki Baat has in past cases preceded state-level proposals for Geographical Indication tagging. A formal GI tag or state-sponsored promotion campaign for Belpana is among the possibilities being watched, though no official announcement has been made.
