Visakhapatnam just held the second edition of the Sabala Bhojanala Panduga, a community-led food festival. The festival, focused on sustainable living and natural farming, took place from April 1 to 5 at the Simhachalam Goshala in Visakhapatnam. Read on to know more about the festival.
Sabala Bhojanala Panduga Food Festival
Launched in 2024, under the initiative of an advocate of natural farming and organic food systems, Vijay Ram, the festival draws inspiration from agriculturist Subhash Palekar. This year, the festival witnessed more than 50,000 visitors over five days. Farmers from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts have been the main contributors to the initiative. The festival aims to create awareness and address misconceptions around traditional food practices.
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As per a report from The Hindu, a member of the organising team informed the portal that many people in the district assume that natural foods are difficult to cook, which has adversely affected farmers who have shifted to organic methods. He further stated that the festival aimed to bridge this gap and establish a direct connection between farmers and consumers. The festival features a diverse range of dishes prepared using indigenous ingredients, like millets, grains, lentils, and vegetables. According to the organisers, more than 50 varieties of traditional seeds and rice were featured on the menu, with unique and different preparations being introduced every day. The festival served food free of charge, encouraging visitors to make voluntary contributions.
Food For Free, 30 Stalls & More
As per the portal, visitors said the festival offers both educational and culinary value. Farmers set up around 30 stalls to sell natural and organic produce. The festival’s key focus was seed conservation, with experts from Maharashtra and Telangana participating in the discussions. The organiser also emphasised the importance of retaining and regenerating seeds after every crop cycle rather than purchasing them repeatedly.
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The festival also featured various demonstrations on sustainable living practices, like bamboo crafts, palm-leaf bedding, and pottery. The festival also showcased native cattle breeds and folk performances from the three districts. The organisers said that the initiative aims to strengthen local food systems while supporting farmers who adopt sustainable practices.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/hemanth_verma51, Viral_vizag
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What is the most popular food festival?
Among the world's best-known food festivals is Oktoberfest, which celebrates Bavarian culture, cuisine, and, of course, beer.
What is the main festival of Visakhapatnam?
The main festival in Visakhapatnam is the Telugu New Year known as Ugadi.
What is Visakhapatnam famous for?
The port of Visakhapatnam is renowned for being home to the oldest shipyard in all of India.