The scenic Char Dukan in Landour Cantonment, Mussoorie, was abuzz with activity as the two-day Landour Mela concluded on Sunday. The annual fair, a beloved tradition, successfully attracted a significant number of local residents and tourists eager to experience the authentic culture of Uttarakhand.
A Celebration of Local Heritage and Flavors
Organised consistently since its inception in 2011, the Landour Mela serves as a vibrant platform for the region's producers and creators. This year, numerous stalls offered a delightful array of local cuisine, traditional handicrafts, and organic food products sourced directly from the hills of Uttarakhand.
Visitors showed particular fondness for traditional dishes like dal pakoras and the hearty pahadi thali. The stalls displaying locally made handicrafts also garnered considerable attention and appreciation from the crowd.
Boosting Local Economy and Community Spirit
Meera Saklani, the Chairperson of the Mussoorie Municipal Council, expressed her delight at the event's focus on local offerings. "It is good to see local food and products being sold at the mela. The serene surroundings are an added charm for visitors," she remarked.
The driving force behind the event is Vivek Benipal, founder of the mela and director of the Himalayan organic boutique store, Green Life. He emphasized that the core initiative aims to support local farmers and artisans from Mussoorie and nearby villages by providing them a direct marketplace.
"Farmers and craftsmen from Mussoorie and nearby villages are invited to set up stalls at the mela. Authentic Garhwali food, organic food grains and local handicrafts on display attracted a large number of tourists as well as local residents," Benipal stated.
Sustained Growth Through Community Effort
Highlighting the event's organic growth and self-reliance, Benipal shared that Green Life has organised the mela every year without any external financial assistance. What started as a modest gathering with just eight stalls has now flourished into a major community highlight.
"What began in 2011 with just eight stalls has snowballed into a highly successful event with more than 40 stalls and a high footfall this year," he said, underscoring the event's expanding popularity and impact.
The Landour Mela stands as a testament to successful community-driven tourism, promoting sustainable practices and offering a genuine taste of Himalayan culture to all who attend.
