Puri sisters shine on MasterChef India, offer prayers at Srimandir after national recognition

Two sisters from Puri have brought laurels to Odisha after emerging as standout contestants on the popular reality show MasterChef India, aired on a national television channel.

Following their successful journey on the programme, the duo visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath.

Anju and Manju, who participated as a team, impressed the judges with their culinary skills and consistency throughout the competition. Their dishes received appreciation at every stage, and they secured a place among the top 12 contestants, representing the East Zone.

From Puri to the National Stage

Sharing her experience, the elder sister Anju said their achievement was the result of teamwork and mutual understanding.

“It was a joint effort. We have a very good understanding and always value each other’s suggestions. Thousands of participants took part in the competition, and we represented the East Zone. We were among the top 12 contestants,” she said.

Anju further revealed that their first presentation on the show was a Continental dish, Fish Wellington, which impressed the judges.

“They were surprised. They expected a younger contestant to present such a dish. But when they saw us, one in her fifties and the other in her sixties, they were very impressed,” she added.

Promoting Odia Cuisine and Culture

Manju said their primary goal was to bring Odia cuisine and culture to the national forefront.

“Our intention was to showcase Odia culture and traditional dishes. We presented Tanka Torani, Kanika and Chena Poda. Though we had attempted to present Chena Poda in earlier rounds, we could not include it. However, the judges tasted it backstage and appreciated it. We also prepared Dahibara Aloodum,” she said.

Reports indicate that one of the sisters is married to a senior servitor of the Shree Jagannath Temple. During the competition, the duo also adapted and presented several Odia dishes associated with Jagannath culture.

Praising Anju’s achievement, her husband expressed pride in her accomplishment.

“I am surprised and happy. I do not know what she prayed for, but she got the opportunity to present Odia cuisine on a national platform. Her wish has always been to take Odia cuisine to a global level, as South and North Indian cuisines are widely recognised worldwide, but Odia cuisine is not. I am very proud that she prepared dishes like Kanika, Tanka Torani and Chena Poda with the blessings of Lord Jagannath,” he said.

The sisters’ achievement has been widely appreciated in Puri, with many hailing them for bringing Odia culinary heritage into the national spotlight.