Ajeevika India Food Court, the culinary extravaganza organised at Kunnamkulam (Thrissur) is a unique getaway for food lovers. From street favorites like Pani Poori, Chana Batoora to traditional delicacies like Tikur (Chhattisgarh), Madua pitha (Jharkhand), Dal Bati Choorma (Rajasthan), Sabudana Khichdi (Maharashtra) and ethnic delights like Vana Sundari (Attapadi, Kerala) and Chicken Xacuti (Goa) have been popular among the visitors. The event which began on 28th March has garnered a lot of attention and has been having a steady rise in the number of people visiting. The event is organised as part of the SARAS Mela, the Government of India initiative, where traditional and rural entrepreneurs from different parts of the country get an opportunity to sell their products.
Around 25 food stalls have been set up, out of which 13 have been from partner states and 12 from Kerala. For some of the entrepreneurs from partner states, it has been their first experience and have benefitted from the exposure that they have been provided. The entrepreneurs not only gain good returns for their effort but also learn a number of technical skills like bulk food production, food portioning, health & hygiene, fire & safety measures and even presentation of food. Throughout the eleven day event, entrepreneurs are given mentoring and handholding support by members from the AIFRHM (Technical agency supporting foodservice enterprises under Kudumbashree) as well as members from the Kudumbashree District Mission and Kudumbashree NRO.
“This is the first time I am participating in such an event. My experience has been very good and my food stall has also been doing well.
I will share my experience with other women as well and encourage them to be part of it. I run a small catering business back home.
With the experience that I am getting here, I will be able to run my business better”.
Sarita Godabe, Entrepreneur from Maharashtra
