On International Women’s Day, ‘Raj Bihan Rasoi’ emerges as a popular hub for traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine, empowering women entrepreneurs
Published on: March 05, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, inspiring stories of women’s empowerment are emerging from across Rajnandgaon district, where skilled women are achieving new milestones and strengthening their economic independence. With support from the National Rural Livelihood Mission under the ‘Bihan’ initiative, several women have found new opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
One such success story is the Raj Bihan Rasoi, a community-run food centre that has become a popular destination in the city for authentic Rajnandgaon-style traditional dishes. Operated by the Pratigya Women Self-Help Group, the initiative is led by Gyaneshwari Nishad, who is widely recognised as a “Lakhpati Didi” under the rural livelihood programme.
Speaking about her journey, Nishad said that determination and collective effort can help women overcome any challenge. “If women decide to achieve something, no task is difficult. We never imagined that a small initiative would grow into such a successful enterprise,” she said, expressing pride in becoming financially independent and building her own identity.
The Raj Bihan Rasoi, located in the Collectorate premises, has been attractively designed and is drawing a steady stream of visitors eager to enjoy traditional Chhattisgarhi delicacies. The menu includes a variety of local dishes such as Chila, Fara, Chausela, Sabudana Vada, along with sweets like Balushahi, Thethri, Khurmi and Airsa.
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According to Nishad, the kitchen generates daily earnings ranging between ₹15,000 and ₹18,000, with monthly income reaching approximately ₹35,000 to ₹40,000. Increasing demand and regular catering orders have kept the team busy, making timely delivery a challenge that the group meets through teamwork and dedication.
Before joining the self-help group, Nishad primarily assisted her family in farming activities and occasionally worked as a cook for social events to supplement the household income. However, after connecting with the State Rural Livelihood Mission Bihan, she was able to obtain financial assistance and formally start the food venture.
She noted that every member of her team has now reached the “Lakhpati Didi” category, reflecting the economic transformation brought about by the initiative. With savings from the business, Nishad has been able to purchase household appliances such as a mixer and refrigerator, and recently bought gold earrings worth ₹50,000.
The success of the group has also taken them beyond the district. They have participated in several exhibitions and food festivals, including Saras fairs held in cities such as Gurugram, Kolkata, Kerala, Raipur, and Bhilai, where their team reportedly earned profits exceeding ₹1 lakh at each event.
Looking ahead, Nishad hopes to further expand the initiative by opening additional branches of Raj Bihan Rasoi and ensuring greater economic and social empowerment for all members of the group.
