Food fest kicks off to tickle palates
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 20 2012:
The 3rd edition of Chinjak festival (III)� International 2012, kick-started today with international participants opening eight stalls at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here amid grandeur.
The ten-day food festival, organised by the Innovative Youth Society in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Government of Manipur, is aimed at promoting indigenous foods.
Addressing media persons before the inauguration of the food festival at Hotel Imphal, Commissioner of Tourism, KK Chhetry said the food habit of the State is part and parcel of tourism.
Hence, the Department of Tourism has been providing assistance to the organisers of the festival.
Talking to the media, a functionary of Innovative Youth Society, Khuraijam Athouba said food and food habit identify the people.
He said the various communities inhabiting the State have different food habits.
He said the food festival has been organised for the few years with the aim to promote indigenous food.
Athouba said some South East Asian countries having similar food habit with Manipur are admitted to participate in the festival to know more about their culture too.
Among others, participants from South Korea, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Taipei and Hongkong have arrived, he said.
Athouba added that the festival will also witness the opening of many indigenous food stalls of Tangkhul, Kabui, Maring, Anal and Meitei communities.
The inaugural function of the food festival was graced by Secretary of COHSEM H Nabachandra; Editor of Imphal Free Press, Pradip Phanjoubam while Commisioner of Tourism, KK Chhetry was the presidential host.