Ranjan Dash  (50), an educated man of Baleswar town, who runs a betel shop, has earned a distinction for his quality paan. Dash has been running his tiny paan shop for over 15 years near Fandi Square.

Not only he has earned special identify for himself among other  paan sellers of the district, but also his shop becomes the most sought-after during Raja festival as the festival is known for chewing Raja paan.

Most importantly, what makes Dash stand out among other paan sellers is  his appealing behavior to the customers. Ahead of the famous Raja festival, Dash looks fully geared up and has procured special  ingredients for his shop   which he displayed on Sunday. This year too, he  has prepared himself to serve about 30  varieties of paan ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 200 each. While he has regular customers, most of them say that they were satisfied the way the service is given.

According Dash, he sells both the paans of Zarda  and non Zardavarieties. He has special paan  only for women too.

 “Paan has been an integral part of our culture  since time of immemorial. It (betel vine or paan) is always treated as sacred one. During all auspicious occasions, we Odias look for either betel vine or paan. Serving  paan has been also part of our customs and rituals. Over a period of time, paan preparing as well as  consuming has changed.

However, one must have a  taste of Ranjan’s paan. One can’t resist to appreciate his passion and presentation. Although he runs a small time shop yet his products are  different from others  owing to his art of preparing the  paan and serving them  with love and smile.

He attracts a huge number of customers during Raja festival,” said Ranjan Baug, a senior journalist.

Rizwan Malik , another a regular customer said, “Whenever  I come to the town covering 20 km distance, I visit this particular shop only to eat paan. Besides I carry paan for my fellow villagers who request me to bring paan  for them too.”

 Dash, the betel shop owner, said, “ It has been passion to prepare best paan since beginning.  I pick up the best quality of betel vine as well as the masala. I have a passion for serving quality and attractive paans. I am encouraged when customers appreciate my product and service. During Raja festival some extra efforts are put in. Sole objective is to provide special varieties of paan and win hearts.”