Chinjak Festival kicks off with 400 ethnic dishes
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 19 2012: The 4th Manipur Chinjak Festival-2012 being organized jointly by Innovative Youth Development Association and Samban Lei Sekpil Foundation began from today at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Sanglen.

More than 400 ethnic dishes are in showcase in the festival.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the 10-days long food festival, Bikramjeet Kongkham, Managing Director of Manipur Chinjak Festival Managing Council - 2012 (MCFMC-2012) said that more than 400 Manipuri traditional dishes from various ethnic communities are available in a total number of 40 stalls open in the festival.

He also added that the quality of all the foods available in the festivals have been checked and tested by Imphal West Chief Medical Officer.

Stating that the aim of the festival is to provide a platform to promote the various indigenous food items available in the state, Bobbyjames Wahengbam, Convener of MCFMC-2012 said that in the changing trend of food business, the importance of food security is becoming a major concern for each society.

If we are able to maintain the nutritious value of global food standard and promote it we can make Manipur a food secure society.

Pointing out that food, shelter and clothing are basic essentials of human being, Mairembam Prithiviraj, Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports and Tourism, who attended the inaugural function of the festival as Chief Guest, said that Manipuri dishes are wholesome but in comparison with other continental dishes it seems to lack taste.

However, if we have to promote our indigenous food items, it should have two qualities; nutritious and tasty.

Guests of Honour of the function Md Amin Shah, Parliamentary Secretary, MOBC & SC and Sc.

& Tech.

encouraged the MCFMC for organizing the festival and making a platform to exhibit and promote Manipuri dishes.

MLA Khumukcham Jaikishan, who presided over the function, emphasized the need to promote indigenous food items by the government by arranging separate stalls in the annual Sangai festivals.

Terming the festival as unique, MLA Elangbam Chand, and Guests of Honour of the function said that exhibitors from various places of the state and a number of ethnic dishes available makes it a pan-Manipur food festival.

In the festival, various ethnic Manipur food and drinks items like Singju, Bora, Ooksa Ataoba-Athongba, Chicken Kangsoi, Huithongba, Huimarin, Ook marin, non-veg and veg pickles, various wine products made from Banana, Chakhao, Pineapple, fish items like fried U-kabi, Ngakra and many more are available.

Comment