Omfed under lens for substandard ghee supply

JAGATSINGHPUR: Priests of Maa Sarala temple on Friday alleged that state milk cooperative Omfed has supplied substandard ghee to the shrine for preparation of prasad.

In response, the food safety officer issued a notice to Omfed for supplying tins of ghee to the shrine sans proper label and symbol.

Sources said ‘manda pitha’, offered to Goddess Sarala during Dussehra, holds a special place among devotees. Hundreds of people throng the temple to partake the delicacy, which is known not only for its taste but also for its supposed ability to cure various ailments with the blessings of the Goddess.

Around 500 to 700 manda pithas are offered to the deity during the festival while approximately 250 are distributed among the sevayats free of cost. The sevayats then sell the cakes to devotees at prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200.