'Vyanjan Mela' showcases Bihar's rich culinary heritage

Patna: Many visitors came to the ‘Vyanjan Mela’ at Gandhi Maidan for the Bihar Diwas celebrations. The event was organized by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC). The smells of traditional dishes filled the air, attracting food lovers eager to try local specialties. At the fair, local vendors served popular dishes like litti-chokha, which is often topped with ghee. The sweet section was especially popular, offering treats like khaja, gajak, and thekua made from jaggery and wheat flour. Other favorites included balushahi, kela jalebi, and pua. Families enjoyed street food options such as chana-chura ghughni and dal peetha, a dumpling made from rice flour and chana dal. As night approached, the food pavilion became busier. Visitors sampled a mix of traditional and modern dishes like pani puri, momos, chaat, pizza, burgers, rolls, and chow mein. South Indian favorites like idli-sambar and masala dosa were also available. Jeevika Didis managed a stall called ‘Didi Ki Rasoi’, offering homemade vegetarian meals. The BSTDC ensured good hygiene and seating for guests to eat comfortably. Rekha Devi, who sold kela jalebi and sev bundiya, shared that they aimed to promote Bihar's traditional cuisine alongside other popular items. Many visitors shared their enthusiasm. Sanskriti Prakash, who visited with her family, called the food pavilion her favorite part of Bihar Diwas. She enjoyed a variety of foods including faluda, lassi, and sandwiches. Binay Kumar, a local resident, agreed that the food fair was the highlight of the celebrations, expressing joy in enjoying the food with his family and packing sweets to take home.