PATNA: The ‘Vyanjan mela’ (food festival) is all set to attract foodies at the Gandhi Maidan here on the occasion of Bihar Diwas celebration, which will kick off on next Tuesday. Elaborate arrangements have been made to roll out unique dishes from every nook and corner of the state.
Around 60 stalls have been built inside a hutment to serve these delectable eatables.
Gaya’s anarsa and tilkut, Bhojpur’s belgrami (from Udwantnagar), Barh’s lai, Maner laddoo, Kesaria peda, Fatuha’s khurchan, Banka’s hilsa and kalai imarti, Silao’s khajaa and other items like rewari, malpuaa, rewaripua and hot gulab jamuns would be a real gastronomical delight for those with a sweet tooth.
Apart from these treats, Mithilanchal ‘s famous Tilkaur leaves, dahi-chura, tengra fish, Bihia’s (Bhojpur) puri and makhana will be on offer for the foodies. Salted makhana packets will be served free of cost to those arriving by flights at the Gaya and Patna airports on March 22.
‘Anandi chawal’ and ‘mirchaiyya chuda’ specially brought from West Champaran will also find their way to the stalls.
‘Makuni’ (sattu roti), litti-chokha, puri, kachri, ‘ghughni’, ‘chawal-macchli’, ‘pakori’ and dahi-vada can also be savoured at the food fest.
“It will also be an occasion to put variety Bihari cuisine into limelight and enhance the popularity of the lesser-known delicacies,” an official told TOI, adding the items will be available at market price.
There is also provision for as many as 12 kitchens at the ground where workers engaged in centenary celebrations will be served food fresh from the oven. Besides breakfast and evening snacks, two meals of the day will be offered at the kitchens. Coupons will be distributed among those entitled, who can redeem them at these live kitchens, said the official. A team of women belonging to Mahila Samakhya, a society, will cook for around 2,500 to 3,000 workers and officials involved in various activities here at the ground.