62-year-old Mandya Man Wins Ragi Mudde Eating Contest

In Mandya, Karnataka, a unique and challenging Ragi Mudde Eating Competition took place at the Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavana as part of a cereal fair. The event saw 62-year-old contestant Ere Gowda showcase his exceptional appetite by consuming an impressive ten Ragi Mudde (finger millet balls) within the allotted 30-minute timeframe. Each millet ball weighed precisely 2 kilograms and 717 grams, ensuring a fair distribution among participants.

The competition not only focused on the quantity of Ragi Mudde consumed but also included other delicacies like chicken broth, meat, and eggs. Ere Gowda demonstrated remarkable composure and patience as he relished each morsel, securing his victory over other participants.

To add to the challenge, participants were required to eat additional food items along with the 10 Ragi Mudde. Despite the difficulty of the task, Ere Gowda’s steady and enjoyable approach to the competition set him apart from others. The video footage captured his measured consumption and the evident pleasure he took in the competition.

The second and third places were secured by Dilip from Arakeri and Ravindra from TM Hosur village, respectively. Dilip managed to consume seven Ragi Mudde, while Ravindra ate six and a half. Participants in the competition hailed from various parts of the Mandya district, with some even travelling from outside the district to take part.

Over 20 individuals, primarily in the 20-40 age group, participated in the competition. Many were surprised to witness Ere Gowda, at 62 years old, consuming an impressive 10 Ragi Mudde balls. The exhaustion experienced by participants after consuming four to five millet balls highlighted the exceptional feat accomplished by Ere Gowda.

Notably, Ashok, the Joint Director of the Mandya District Agriculture Department, also joined the competition, adding an element of community engagement to the unique event.

The competition showcased the diverse and enthusiastic food culture in Karnataka, bringing together people from various backgrounds to celebrate and appreciate local cereals like Ragi Mudde.