Imphal, April 11: The third edition of the Chinjak Festival (food festival) International will be a blend of food, games and music.
Innovative Youth Society, Imphal, an NGO, in association with Manipur tourism department will open a 10-day food festival from April 20 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen here as part of efforts to attract tourists to Manipur and also promote indigenous food items of the state.
“This time food stalls from nine Asian countries will be taking part in the festival in addition to more than 30 local participants. Of the nine countries, eight have confirmed their participation in the festival,” Lenila Th, a spokesperson for the society, told reporters today.
Only four Asian countries — China, Thailand, Tibet and Korea participated in the second edition of the festival.
Korean food kimchi, Chinese foods, Singapore’s shark fin soup, Hong Kong’s pork stew will vie with other participants in attracting food lovers.
Myanmar, Tibet, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam will also be sending participants. Altogether the festival will have 40 stalls.
Manipuri indigenous meat items of both the hill and valley will also compete with other Asian food items. Vegetarians will have their corner with Manipur’s famous singju (salad), sweet items, and many pickle items.
A unique feature of this year’s festival is opening of a public kitchen where visitors can cook and eat by paying certain amount. The materials for the cooking will be provided by the organisers.
The festival will open with a musical concert by a Manipuri band. Manipuri film celebrities are invited to the opening programme to attract visitors.
An orchestra group will entertain the visitors throughout the festival and if anyone has a voice for singing and willing to present songs, one can walk up the stage and perform. And there is also competitions called Chinjak Games where competitions will he held for fastest consumption of certain amount of food and water. “Another aim of the festival is also to promote our indigenous food items,” Lenila said.
