VVIPs in Delhi to savour ‘Katarni chura’ of Bhagalpur

BHAGALPUR: As many as 200 gift packs containing Bhagalpur’s ‘Katarni chura’ (flattened rice), which is popular for its unique aroma and fine quality, have been sent to the President, Prime Minister and Union ministers in New Delhi ahead of Makar Sankranti.
According to district agriculture officer Krishna Kant Jha, a ‘bhoj’ (feast) will be organized for VVIPs at the Bihar Bhavan in Delhi where ‘Katarni chura’, curd and tilkut will be served on January 14.
“This is for the first time that ‘Katarni chura’ has been sent to VVIPs in Delhi. Its aroma and taste cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world,” Jha told this newspaper, adding that it had immense export potential if marketed properly.
‘Katarni chura’, exclusively grown in villages under Jagdishpur block of Bhagalpur district and Rajoun block of Banka district, had recently earned a geographical indication tag for its aromatic flavour and palatability. It is eaten in different forms. For instance, the ‘chura’ is consumed with curd, tilkut and jaggery or sugar in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and parts of Nepal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a festival observed by people in the lunar month of ‘Magha’ to celebrate their harvest.