HEAVENLY THOUGHTS

It is with immense joy and gratitude that I present this publication, which delves into the culinary variety and vibrant culture of Western Odisha. As a resident of Tamil Nadu, fate led me to the beautiful state of Odisha in 2004, and I have since developed a deep affection for the people of the western region, their unique culture, and their delightful food habits. However, it has come to my notice that the culinary diversity of Western Odisha has not received the recognition it rightfully deserves. Thus, my aspiration for this work is to bring the rich cultural heritage of this region to the forefront and grant it the prominence it merits.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the blessings and unwavering support of my late father, Late Sri S. Eknath. His influence from the heavenly abode has been the guiding light that empowered me to complete this journey.

I firmly believe that any achievement is the result of collective efforts, and I owe a debt of gratitude to numerous individuals who have played a pivotal role in preparing this work. I express my heartfelt thanks to my mother, Smt. Shanthi Eknath, whose constant encouragement has been a source of strength. I am also grateful to my son, Shachin Kumar Eknath, my daughter, Divyanshi Eknath, and my wife, Smt. Kalpana Jena, for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in accomplishing this task.

I extend my sincerest appreciation to all the anonymous individuals, both men and women, whose invaluable help and advice have significantly contributed to the content of this book. Additionally, I want to express my deep indebtedness to Prof Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Patnaik from Balangir for his invaluable guidance, ideas, and encouragement that inspired me to embark on this endeavor.

The unwavering encouragement provided by Sri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav IAS, the Director and Administrator of SIHM Balangir, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, has been a driving force behind the preparation of this book, and for that, I extend my deepest gratitude.

Undoubtedly, field research has been the most critical aspect of this book, and it would not have come to fruition without it. During this journey, I have had the privilege of sharing impressive moments with some of my colleagues and my beloved wife. I wholeheartedly thank all my colleagues who graciously opened their hearts to me, sharing their captivating stories, wisdom, and thoughts wholeheartedly.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Prof Susanta Kumar Pattanaik, Mr. Ravi Kumar, Mrs. Satyabati Mishra, and Mr. Sahil Sahu, whose warm and unwavering support has been invaluable in completing this book.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to this endeavor. Your support, encouragement, and guidance have made this publication possible, and I hope that it serves its purpose in shedding light on the vibrant culture and culinary treasures of Western Odisha.

Thank you Dear all.