Food fest at the Ridge: Empowering women, showcasing state’s culture

Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh inaugurated the 10-day HIMIRA Saras Food Festival at the historic Ridge, aiming to financially empower women from self-help groups and enhance their livelihoods. Organised by the HP State Rural Livelihood Mission and the State’s Rural Development Department, the festival celebrates local culture, creativity and culinary traditions while promoting artisans and entrepreneurs.

“This is the third edition of the festival, and it has been well-received by locals and tourists alike,” said Singh. He highlighted that 20 food stalls offering a variety of Himachali cuisines and dishes from other states have been set up to coincide with the tourist season. Singh noted that inviting participants from other states fosters inter-state collaboration, offering a platform to share information about handicrafts and handlooms, thereby improving livelihoods.

The festival features a vibrant display of handcrafted items, including handbags, clothes, and accessories, at stalls located at the Ridge and the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. Visitors were seen enjoying an array of flavors and purchasing unique handmade goods throughout the day.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting local artisans and empowering women through self-help groups while promoting cultural exchange and economic growth. The festival is a significant step towards enhancing rural livelihoods and boosting tourism in the region.