The vibrant flavours of India's streets converged in the capital as the country's largest street food festival concluded successfully at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The three-day culinary extravaganza drew massive crowds of Delhiites and tourists alike, all eager to sample an incredible array of dishes from every corner of the nation.
A Silver Jubilee Celebration of Flavour and Rights
Organised by the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI), the festival this year held special significance as it marked the organisation's Silver Jubilee. This annual event is not just about food but is a core part of NASVI's mission to champion the rights and recognition of street vendors across India. The 15th edition served as a vibrant platform celebrating 25 years of the association's progress and advocacy.
The scale of the festival was impressive, with participation from more than 500 street food vendors hailing from 27 different states and union territories. Together, they presented a staggering collection of over 500 distinct delicacies, turning the stadium into a paradise for food lovers. From the tangy Gokul Chaat of Telangana to the rich Khurchan Kulfi, and from Maharashtra's Jumbo Masala Paper to exotic new entries like Afghani Mantu, the choices were endless.
Ministerial Inaugurations and New Attractions
The festival was formally inaugurated on Friday evening by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. His presence underscored the cultural importance of street food in India's tourism and heritage. The event received further encouragement on its second day with a visit from Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, who interacted with and motivated the vendors.
This year's festival introduced several exciting new features. A major highlight was the competition between iconic dishes from various regions, adding a thrilling edge to the culinary showcase. The festival also broadened its geographical palate by including cuisines from Nagaland, Tibet, and Nepal for the very first time. Furthermore, organisers added a dedicated Kids' Zone and, in a first, stalls showcasing farmers' agro-products, linking the food on the plate directly to its source.
Voices from the Festival
Sangeeta Singh, Head of the Street Food Festival, India, emphasized the festival's cultural role. She described it as a unique celebration that brings the authentic flavours of Indian street food to Delhi through the vibrant vendor community, who are the true bearers of the nation's living food culture. She noted the event is a concerted effort to unite diversity on a single platform, creating a colourful fusion of taste, music, joy, and warmth.
Arbind Singh, National Coordinator of NASVI, expressed his delight at the success of the 15th edition. He stated that the festival has played a crucial role in popularising India's street food culture while simultaneously advancing the rights of street vendors. He reaffirmed NASVI's commitment to enhancing the quality and variety of street food, calling it the "soul food of India."
A Perfect Blend for Delhi and Beyond
The festival proved to be the perfect weekend destination, successfully blending taste, entertainment, and art. It was immensely enjoyed not just by the residents of Delhi but also by Indian and international tourists visiting the city. The cheerful conclusion of the event marks another successful chapter in celebrating India's incredible street food diversity and supporting the hardworking vendors who are an integral part of the urban fabric and economy. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, for three days, transformed into a microcosm of India itself—united by its love for bold, authentic, and unforgettable flavours.
