Uttarakhand Food Festival Concludes in Lucknow with Overwhelming Response
The 15-day Uttarayani Kauthig 2026 festival, organized by Parvatiya Mahaparishad at the Govind Ballabh Pant Parvatiya and Sanskritic Upvan in Lucknow, concluded on Wednesday with remarkable enthusiasm from visitors. As the event drew to an end, long queues formed at various food stalls, with attendees eagerly waiting to savor the authentic flavors of Uttarakhand's hill cuisine.
Pyari Pahadan Stall Steals the Show
The most popular attraction proved to be the stall named 'Pyari Pahadan', run by Preeti, who was dressed in traditional Uttarakhandi attire complete with a large 'nath' or nose ring. She served a variety of regional delicacies that captivated the taste buds of Lucknowites and Uttarakhand natives alike.
Her menu featured:
- Ragi siddu, ragi dumplings, and ragi noodles from Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari traditions
- Traditional dishes such as chainsoo, mandua ki roti, and bhatt ki dal
- Desserts including gulgula and jhangora kheer
From Corporate Engineer to Culinary Entrepreneur
Interestingly, Preeti is an engineer by qualification who left her corporate job to pursue her passion for cooking and promoting the dishes of her homeland. She currently operates two restaurants in the hills of Uttarakhand, bringing authentic flavors to a wider audience.
Expressing her joy, Preeti said, "I am very happy that not only people hailing from Uttarakhand, but Lucknowites too loved 'pahadi khana' as many are getting food packed to take home." This highlights the growing appreciation for regional cuisines beyond their place of origin.
Visitors and Stall Owners Share Their Experiences
Himesh Tandon, who visited the festival with his family, shared his delight, stating, "I have never eaten such a delicious thali with such spices and unusual taste." His sentiment was echoed by many others who discovered the unique culinary heritage of Uttarakhand.
Another stall owner, Puran Singh Nayan from Almora, emphasized his mission to showcase Uttarakhand's food culture. He said, "People know mostly about the beauty of Uttarakhand, but I wanted them to taste the food of hills." His stall offered a diverse range of dishes, including:
- Gut ke aloo and gaderi ki sabzi
- Kumaoni kheere ka raita and pahadi aam ki chutney
- Bhatt ke pakode, kath ki chai, and pahadi halwa
Pratibha Mishra, a visitor enjoying bhatt ke pakode and gut ke aloo from Puran's stall, remarked, "I never knew dishes of Uttarakhand were so simple yet so tasty." This reflects the festival's success in introducing the simplicity and richness of hill cuisine to urban audiences.
Festival's Impact on Cultural Exchange
The Uttarayani Kauthig 2026 festival not only provided a platform for culinary delights but also fostered cultural exchange between Uttarakhand and Lucknow. The overwhelming response, with people packing food to take home, indicates a growing curiosity and acceptance of regional Indian cuisines in metropolitan areas.
Such events play a crucial role in preserving traditional recipes while adapting them to contemporary tastes, ensuring that the culinary heritage of regions like Uttarakhand continues to thrive and gain recognition nationwide.
