India, Jan. 30 -- A festival celebrating Odia culture and tradition is currently taking place in Balasore. Named as Balasore Snow Festival, this unique event aims to honour and preserve Odia cultural heritage through a 'pitha' (cakes) making competition.

Women and self-help groups (SHGs) from the region are actively engaging in this competition, demonstrating their expertise in traditional culinary arts.

Participants, including numerous local women and family members, are busy crafting a range of delicious pithas. These include popular variants such as poda pitha, arisa pitha, chitou, chakuli, and gaintha, providing visitors with a delightful taste of Odia cuisine.

The festival also features healthier options with many pithas made wit...