Ranchi, Oct. 23: With a range of mouth-watering dishes to be available at a 'Diwali Mela' to be organised by IPS Officers' Wives Association, food-lovers of the city are in for a treat. Lucknavi biryani, shaami kebabs, Gujarati chaat, dhokla, Rajasthani pickles, pastries and dosas will feature on the menu card of the fair to be held on October 27 and 28 at JAP Grounds in Doranda.
Groups of craftsmen representing different states of the country have also confirmed their participation in the fair.
Non-government and social organisations, fast food giants and industrial enterprises have booked 50 stalls so far, suggesting that the event will be a grand affair. “We have received a good response from the states as well as from the industrial units. Shireen Collection, dealers in Kashmiri handicrafts will participate in the fair in a big way. Kashmiri zafraan and spices from the valley will be available along with papier mache items,” deputy inspector general of police (CID) Parvez Hayat said.
Terracotta items and handicrafts from Rajasthan and Gujarat will lend an artistic edge to the Diwali celebrations.
“People of the state capital can choose from Khurja pottery, paintings on glass and paper, not to mention mouth watering dishes. We will also offer a wide selection of fabrics from Jaipuria Collections and Madhubani fabric paintings,” said Rooplekha Prasad, wife of director-general of police R. R. Prasad and president of the association.
Industrial units, which have agreed to set up their stalls, include Tata Steel and Yamaha. Yamaha has come up with a lucrative offer for the people of the city — especially for family members of police personnel — by offering a rebate of Rs. 1000 off on every purchase at the stall. Latest models of Yamaha vehicles will also be on a display at the fair.
Governor M. Rama Jois will inaugurate the fair and chief minister Babulal Marandi will be the chief guest for the concluding day's function. “The programme is subject to the approval of the Governor and the chief minister. The association is trying to get their nod to be guests at the programme,” said a member of the association.
