How Bastar’s Traditional Delicacies Are Winning Hearts of International Cricketers; Culinary Skills of Dantewada’s Chanda Didi Lauded at IPL 2026
The traditional culinary culture of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region is now transcending local boundaries to carve a niche for itself on the international stage.
Recently, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches held in the Chhattisgarh capital, Raipur, the culinary prowess of Chanda Didi—a member of the Pragati Self-Help Group from Dantewada district—particularly impressed the players.
Working under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, ‘Bihan’, Chanda Didi prepared a special array of traditional dishes for the players during the IPL event. These included nutritious laddoos (sweet balls) made from Mahua flowers, dishes featuring Kodo-Kutki (millets) and pearl millet (Bajra), as well as Bastar’s renowned Chapda Chutney (red ant chutney).
Players hailed high quality of Bastar’s traditional flavors
After sampling these delicacies, the international cricketers heaped praise upon them. Players—including Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, and others—commended the uniqueness and high quality of Bastar’s traditional flavors.
PM Modi tasted dishes prepared by Chanda Didi
Chanda Didi has garnered attention in the past as well, notably for her Mahua laddoos, when dishes prepared by her were tasted and appreciated even by the country's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
Chanda Didi's Bastariya Food Stall
Having been associated with the ‘Bihan’ scheme for several years, Chanda Didi is not only making strides toward self-reliance but has also emerged as a source of inspiration for rural women. With the support of the district administration and the ‘Bihan’ team, she has been actively showcasing and marketing local products at various national events through her ‘Bastariya Food Stall’.
Chanda Didi will undergo a special 10-day training program
Nitesh Kumar Dewangan, the DPM (Livelihoods) at the District Mission Management Unit, stated that this year, Chanda Didi is scheduled to undergo a special 10-day training program at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM). During this training, she will receive instruction in food processing, packaging, and modern marketing techniques, with the aim of establishing her products as a recognized brand in both national and international markets.
The encouragement being received by the women of Dantewada through the 'Bihan' scheme is not only expanding opportunities for self-employment but is also bringing global recognition to the traditional cultural heritage of Bastar.