Guwahati, Assam, 16th April, 2025: ITC’s Sunrise Spices, known for its commitment to preserving culinary authenticity and cultural resonance, continues its journey of celebrating local food traditions with the launch of “Xipa Bisari: A Back to Roots Series.” Launched on April 16th at the Chandmari Bihu Xonmilon pandal in Guwahati, the event witnessed an enthusiastic crowd and was graced by Mr. Rahul Das, Chief, Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, along with the host of the series, celebrated Assamese chef and culinary revivalist Atul Lahkar.
As a brand deeply embedded in the ethos of Eastern India, Sunrise Spices has consistently celebrated regional traditions, heritage recipes, and local flavours. This culinary series is a natural extension of this philosophy—curated to rediscover Assam’s culinary past and preserve it for future generations.
Presented by Sunrise and backed by the Cultural Ministry of Assam, the 10-episode series follows Chef Atul Lahkar as he journeys through the heart of the state—its serene villages, bustling markets, rediscovering lost recipes, traditional cooking techniques and age-old culinary knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation. The series showcases Chef Lahkar interacting with local custodians of culinary knowledge, especially elderly women who’ve preserved these traditions through oral storytelling and practice. The narrative focuses on the invaluable expertise held by them; their kitchens, filled with the aroma of spices and learning their tales and the cultural context behind each recipe.
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In each episode, he reinterprets age-old recipes using Sunrise Spices’ authentic blends, fusing time-honoured flavours with a modern touch. Sunrise Spices, which is known for its high-quality blends, has a central role to play in this odyssey, highlighting the distinctive spice blends that add character to Assamese cuisine. From well-known staple recipes such Khulasapori Pitha, Kalangdang, (few names of the featured dishes) to obscure regional delicacies, the series captures the richness of Assam’s food culture.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Piyush Mishra, Business Head, Spices, ITC Ltd., said “Sunrise, our ethos has always been rooted in authenticity, cultural pride, and celebrating the culinary richness of every region we serve. ‘Xipa Bisari’ series is a heartfelt extension of this belief, an initiative that honours Assam’s traditional food heritage, empowers local communities, and inspires the next generation to rediscover and cherish their culinary roots.”
Chef Atul Lahkar, “This collaboration is more than just about food, it’s a tribute to our elders, to our stories, and to the sustainable way of living embedded in Assamese culture. I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful series by Sunrise Spices.”
