Flavours of friendship: Chamba, Nepal unite in culinary & cultural exchange

A vibrant culinary and cultural exchange between Chamba and Nepal took centre stage at the ongoing Responsible Tourism and Living Heritage Meet, held as part of the International Minjar Fair under the Chalo Chamba campaign. Jointly organised by the Chamba district administration and NotOnMap, the event aims to foster cross-cultural understanding through traditional cuisines, folk arts and sustainable tourism practices.

As part of the exchange, delegates from Nepal prepared and served authentic Nepali dishes such as sel roti, dhakne and aloo achaar, while representatives from Chamba showcased local delicacies, including seb ka madra, mah ki dal, babru, dahi wale aloo, patrodu, khamod, and the festive Chambyali Dham. The food festival not only delighted visitors but also sparked meaningful dialogue on cultural preservation and shared heritage.

Adding a unique dimension to the event, women from Chamba initiated a discussion on traditional wedding songs sung during local marriage ceremonies. For the first time, steps were taken towards documenting these oral traditions, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Prominent Nepali journalist and former civil engineer Kedar Nath Sharma addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism. A noted environmental journalist and advocate for local food systems, Sharma now runs a homestay in Ilam, Nepal and is working on a pictorial dictionary of Nepali culture. He lauded Chamba’s tourism model as a shining example of responsible development, stating, “Tourism is not just an economic activity; it is a cultural bridge that strengthens rural identities.” Sharma also praised the flavour and nutritional value of Chamba’s traditional cuisine and commended the warmth and hospitality of its people. He urged tourists to embrace sustainable travel practices, show respect for local communities and seek authentic cultural experiences.

Kumar Anubhav, founder of NotOnMap, highlighted that the event serves as a meaningful platform to promote local heritage, indigenous knowledge and conscious travel. “Through this meet, participants are engaging with the living traditions of communities across borders. The positive impact of responsible tourism is clearly visible,” he noted.

Tourism expert Raj Basu, often referred to as the ‘Tourism Gandhi of India’, echoed similar sentiments. “This initiative is successfully bringing people from different parts of the world together. The efforts being made towards sustainable tourism are now benefitting local communities in real and measurable ways,” he said.

Beyond celebrating food and culture, the initiative seeks to spotlight the lesser-known rural areas of Chamba district — beyond tourist favourites like Dalhousie, Khajjiar and the ancient Lakshmi Narayan Temple. By promoting local crafts, cuisine and performing arts, the campaign encourages travellers to engage with the region’s authentic culture, thereby strengthening the rural economy and ensuring long-term preservation of its living heritage.