FOOD FIESTA at 27th International Surajkund Crafts Mela

Faridabad, February 8, 2013:  The 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela offers some of the most delectable cuisines to be savoured by its visitors.  It is an epicurean delight with an extensive use of herbs, spices and fragrance, which could tempt the senses of any passerby. The Food Court spread in the sprawling area of the Mela has a fantastic range of cuisines with a regional uniqueness.

In tune with the health and hygiene of the visitors, the Surajkund Crafts Mela Authority frequently conducts surveys so as to ensure that better quality of food is maintained throughout the fortnight.  It is also ensured that cleanliness is maintained and there is a provision of several garbage bins in the Mela premises. Drinking water has also been made available at various places for the convenience of the visitors.

Each food stall in the Mela churns out an indigenous recipe, which is worth a mention. From Mumbai’s bhelpuri to Jaipur’s Dal Bhatti Churma and theme state Karnataka’s Sukka Chicken, Masala Dosa and filter coffee and Bihar’s Lithi Chokha, the Mela has different state cuisines to be relished. `Aloo tikki’, `Golgappe’, `Chaat’, flavoured milk and `Pav Bhaji’, are the much sought after street food of the Mela. `Bhelpuri’ and `Kulfi’ are to be seen in almost every visitor’s hands.

The cuisine of Karnataka offers a wide variety of food items, which include Bijapur Mirchi, Chakkali, Khadak Rotti, Shavige Bath, Uppittu, Chicken Sukka, Akki Rotti, Kyatsandra Ttiol, Gokak Karadantu and Dharwad Pedha. K. Seenappa, Assistant General Manager, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, says “People are very happy to eat authentic South Indian delicacies at out stall. They take keen interest in knowing about our recipes.”

`Nariyal Pani’ was also available which works as a perfect thirst quencher. Traditional foods of North India like `Rajma Chawal’ and ` Chole Bature’ are readily available, besides the mouth-watering egg rolls, Hyderabadi biryanis, saag makki ki roti and Gohana’s kesariya jaleba being the must-haves for any visitor in the Mela. 

Combining the traditions with modernity, a special stall of Dominos Pizza has also been set up in the food court. Special food stalls of South Indian dishes, Madras Café and Chinese food are also quite popular with the visitors. Hot and cold beverages like tea, cold drinks and shakes are made accessible at different places. The fast food vending points have also been made available at various strategic places in the Mela for the convenience of the visitors.

Hot ‘Gulab Jamuns’, ‘Gajar Ka Halwa’ teamed up with ice cold ‘Chuskis’ are ideal desserts for everybody. The famous Banarasi ‘paans’ literally melt in the mouth. Cultural performances in the Food Court add to the wholesome entertainment to the visitors and one could see the Food Court packed to its capacity most of the time. 

Not to miss, Institute of Hotel Management of Faridabad and Panipat have also set up stalls that are rustling up Frontier cuisines. The students of the institutes are getting hands-on training while maintaining high standard of hygiene and quality.  

Also the wines of Karnataka are also being displayed at the Mela purely for promotional purposes. Praveen Deshpande at the Karnataka wine counter, says, “The concept of manufacturing wines is relatively new in India, so we are aggressively marketing our wines in the Northern region, as people here are fond of wine and even the climate is well suited for wine consumption.” He further informs that an array of wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Martot and Cabernet Franc are being produced in their state from French varieties of grapes spread over an area of 2,000 acres.

The rangoli competition held in the morning was a hit, as over 117 students from 30 schools took part in it. Gita Bal Niketan Senior Secondary School, Sector 21, Faridabad; Government Secondary School, Baghola (Palwal) and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Old Faridabad, bagged first, second and third positions respectively.  

Hasya Kavi Sammelan by Dinesh Raghuvanshi at Natyashala on Friday was a well-attended function. The audience enjoyed the comic capers to the core and almost split their sides with laughter.

Also check out the one-act play to be staged at Natyashala tomorrow evening (6.30 pm).