Our Correspondent
Imphal, Sep. 28 (EMN): Many local tribal delicacies caught the fancy of visitors and food lovers alike as they savoured items that were on offer during the Poshan Tribal Food Mela, organized by the Autonomous District Council, Churachandpur on Thursday, Sep. 28 at ADCC campus, Tuibong in Manipur’s Churachandpur district.
Ethnic culinary of 12 tribes from the district were showcased during the event held as part of Rastriya Poshan Maah observance programme.
Varieties of chutneys and diverse vegetables and wild fruits, traditional parade, health awareness talks, and spot painting competition are salient features of the event.
Inaugurating the mela, chairman of the ADCC, V Khaikhanmung underlined the importance of nutritious food stating that tribal foods are mostly organic and nutritious while also urging all to derive maximum benefits of the event.
Deputy Commissioner Shyam Lal Poonia said that with advancement in technology and invasion of the culture by factory foods and social media, it is imperative that the indigenous foods, which are proven nutritious and readily available round the year at a fair price, are promoted. This will also go a long way in reconnecting the younger generations with their roots, he added.
Lamenting that most of the young people are ignorant about the practices of forefathers, he felt that events such as the tribal food mela would also serve as the right platform to link the present generation with their past apart from fulfilling the objective of bringing children and lactating mothers under the coverage of nutrition mission.
Field officer Ng Rajesh of ADCC said the mela is the first of its kind in Churachandpur and the organisers are thrilled by the footfall.
The day’s event was aimed at making the district and the state ‘malnutrition-free’ besides conveying the message about the importance of right nutrition, right food and other healthy and hygienic practices to every household, according to ADCC Chief Executive Officer T Kammuanlal Simte.
Similar event was also held on Sep. 17 last at Joutung village in Pherzawl district. Papao Haokip, a food enthusiast said that one’s palate is satiated by the titillating flavours of local tribal delicacies.
