Farmers’ body to provide Kodra millet sweets for Diwali festival in Mandi

The upcoming Diwali festival in the Dharampur subdivision of Mandi district promises to be a sweet affair, with local farmers’ groups preparing a wide range of fresh and new kind of sweets.

Under the initiative of the Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO), a two-day Diwali festival named ‘Udaan’ will take place on October 28-29 on the premises of Dr Vijay Memorial Public School.

The FPO has commenced the production of 30 quintals of traditional Kodra millet laddus, along with a variety of other sweets, including burfi, pedas, apple ladoos, chutneys and jams across five different centres. Aiming to create fresh sweets without milk or khoya, the FPO has organised training sessions for women’s groups led by Dr Kavita from the Agricultural Science Centre and food safety expert Dr Hardayal Singh Guleria, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

The largest quantity of sweets will be produced at the Sakhoth-Taddun-Khanod centre, which is set to prepare 12 quintals, while other centres like Taniar will prepare 7 quintals. Jodhan-1 and Jodhan-2, along with Baroti, will make 5 quintals each.

Notable local figures involved in the sweet-making process include Rajni Saklani at Sakhoth, Nirmala Pathania at Taniar and Kamla and Yogita at Jodhan, all of whom are spearheading the efforts to produce these festive delicacies.

FPO president Satpal Chauhan and secretary Bhupender Singh emphasised that this initiative not only benefits the local FPO but also sets a benchmark for future endeavours. They said alongside the sweets, various other products from Dharmpur would be available for sale during the festival.

“Moreover, on October 30 and 31, mobile vans will deliver these sweets across various regions including Sandhol, Tihra, Chalthra, Sajaopiplu, Mandap, Baroti, and Mardhi, making it easier for residents to access these festive offerings,” said Bhupender Singh.

“The festival will be inaugurated by Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar on October 28, with many dignitaries expected to attend. The FPO of Dharmpur is encouraging the local community to support this initiative by choosing these freshly made sweets, which will contribute to rural development efforts spearheaded by women’s groups in the area,” he added.

With a focus on community engagement and celebrating local entrepreneurship, the Diwali festival in Dharampur is set to be a vibrant and delicious celebration.