Manipuri food items, dance numbers spell magic
Source: The Sangai Express / Manipur Info Centre

Imphal, April 15: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated Pitampura Dilli Haat, the second Dilli Haat in the national capital Delhi on April 13 evening amid much fanfare.

Developed in an area of 7.2 acre at a cost of Rs.31.35 crore, Sheila Dikshit said that the venue would showcase the country's food, craft and cultural traditions and also bring the crafts persons directly in contact with clientele from all over the world.

Visitors thronging at the Manipur Tourism food Kiosk during the inauguration of Pitampura Dilli Haat at Delhi

The inaugural function was followed by a cultural evening where different dance performances from all corners of the country participated.

Manipuri Pung Cholom performed by Yanglem Roshan, Arambam Ahenba, Maisnam Mani, Yumnam Ibomcha and Khagembam Mahenta of Oknarel Cultural Troupe, Delhi captured the audience with its exciting vigourous movements and the beats of the Pung.

Another Manipuri dance item, which was of a combination of Dhol Dholak Dance and Stick Dance created an exhilarating moment.

The visitors scattered around the complex thronged at the venue within minutes when the heavy and accelerated sound of Dhak Dhak produced from the stage had echoed the place.

When the drummers with their flexible bodies whirled round, the audience never stopped of clapping.

Nongmaithem Naba chandra' s magical performance of stick dance enthralled the whole audience.

From the North East States, Assam's Bihu had also a centre of attraction in the cultural evening.

The Manipur Tourism Food Kiosk was not any step behind.

It also attracted a large crowd.

The visitors swarmed the Manipuri Food Kiosk.

The Manipur Tourism, Delhi distributed a four page article highlighting the cultural elements of Manipuri food along with tourist leaflet on Manipur Tourism to the visitors.

Manipuri Chakluk (Manipuri Thali) with Manipuri dishes � Hawaizar (fermented soya-bean) Curry with Yongchak ( Parkia Speciosa) and potato, Mangal (white pea) Ooti, Soibum (fermented bamboo shoot) Ironba, Sana Thongba (Paneer curry), Thambou Singju, Bora, Mangal Kangou and Chakhao Kher was available at the Manipur food kiosk, apart from oriental foods like Chowmin, Momo etc.

Sangai Caterers at Dilli Haat, INA Market was set up by Sandip Salam in the year 1998 under the Manipur Tourism, Govt of Manipur.

Since its inception it slowly attracted visitors and now becomes very popular among tourists and the Delhiites.

It again build up its popularity at Pitampura Dilli Haat by introducing the Manipuri cuisine in the North West Delhi.

Food kiosks of Assam, Sikkim and Nagaland have also found their place at Pitampura Dilli Haat.