Kala Namak rice to be distributed as Buddha Prasad at Kushinagar Airport inauguration

GORAKHPUR: Kalanamak rice will be distributed among the VVIP guests including Ambassadors of various countries, Sri Lankan president, 25 representatives and 100 Bouddh Bhikshu (pilgrims) as Buddha Prasad during the Kushinagar International Airport inauguration ceremony on October 20. The Prasad will be distributed by the Participatory Rural Development Foundation (PDRF) with the consent of the administration.
The chairman of PDRF, Ram Chet Chowdhary said, “Siddharthnagar district is related to Lord Buddha’s birth place area and Kalanamak rice of the district is known for its taste, aroma and nutritional properties.The Yogi government gave global recognition to the rice by making it ODOP of Siddharthnagar. When the gift of Kalanamak rice will be distributed among the Bouddh religion followers and VVIP guests its global branding will be strengthened.”
Over the historical and religious value of Kalanamak rice, Chowdhary said, “The Prasad will be given on Purnima (full moon) which is important for Sanatan and Bouddh religion followers from spiritual and religious point of view. It is believed that Lord Budhdha broke his fast by consuming kheer of Kalanamak rice at the bank of Hiranyavati river and also distributed among his disciples.”
“Lord Buddha advised farmers to grow Kalanamak rice and Chinese traveller Fahyyan. Budhdha is also said to have given the grains of this rice to farmers of the region and asked them to grow it in their fields. Chinese traveller Fa Hien also described Kalanamak rice and Birdpur block of Siddharthnagar district as famous for cultivation of this rice. However, over the years the farming of the rice decreased in land to less than 10 thousand hectares but now with the efforts of the state government it has increased to more than 50 thousand hectares,” he added.
CM Yogi declared Kalanamak rice as ODOP for Siddharthnagar and the state government is also making a common facility center with Rs 12 crore. The Union government has declared Kalanamak rice as ODOP for Siddharthnagar, Basti, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj and Santkabir Nagar districts.