Heritage fest to promote Lahore food street replica

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 4

To promote its concept of introducing Lahore’s food street replica, the state government has scheduled to organise an Amritsar Heritage Festival at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital complex in Amritsar.

In order to attract attention of residents, a special lightning arrangement has been made and big hoardings have been put up across the holy city.

With “Amritsar Haat”, the state government endeavours to offer an additional attraction for the tourists after the Golden Temple and the Retreat Ceremony at Attari-Wagah border.

The civil work is on its last leg for refurbishing the defunct 124-year-old Colonial Building of Victoria Jubilee (VJ) Hospital, which was later re-named Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital.

While the Lahore food street is known only for traditional Lahori cuisine, the Amritsar edition would not just be a stopover for food lovers, but would also give an opportunity to see Punjabi traditions, culture, art and craftsmanship closely.

The project skipped deadlines numerous times, but the authorities have set July as fresh deadline to throw it open to public.

It has been learnt that the renowned kitchens of Amritsar like Makhan Fish, Beera Chicken Corner, Ahuja Lassi, Gyan Lassi, Kesar Da Dhaba, Kulcha Land have been keenly waiting to open their branches under one umbrella.

Sandeep Rishi of the Amritsar Development Authority said to gauge the enthusiasm of public, the special heritage festival would be organised from May 6 to 20 at the same place where the haat project is being started.

He said suggestions were invited from the public to ‘name’ the project and it has tentatively been decided to call it “Amritsar Haat”.

“It is a good opportunity to savour the traditional Punjabi, South Indian and Maharashtrian food items. Apart from this, the local art and culture performances would enthrall the audience on a regular basis,” he said.

Spread over around 4.5 acres, the Amritsar Haat’s food court would cater to around 450 persons at a time.