Savouring Chamba: APG Shimla’s food fest blends culture, cuisine & celebration

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at APG Shimla University hosted its much-anticipated 8th Food Fest, titled “Champa: The Colours of Chamba,” celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.

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Organised under the guidance of Head of Department Chetan Mehta, the event highlighted regional flavours and cultural pride. Lalit Kumar, Member of the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, was the chief guest. He was felicitated by Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) RS Chauhan with a Himachali cap, shawl, traditional Chamba attire and a commemorative souvenir.

Students from the hospitality department prepared and served a variety of traditional Chamba dishes to faculty members, guests and fellow students, receiving widespread appreciation for their culinary skills and authentic presentations.

The menu included signature regional dishes such as bur ki kadhi, imli ka khatta, rajmah madra, rice, maha ki dal, makki ke laddoo, Chamba lassi chicken, meethe chawal, Chamba babru, Chamba chukh and refreshing buransh (rhododendron) juice. Food stalls set up by students offered guests an immersive experience into the tastes of Chamba.

The celebration was further enriched by cultural performances — folk music, traditional dance and dramatic skits depicting the history and heritage of Chamba and Himachal Pradesh — put together by university students.

In his address, the V-C remarked that the food fest was more than a celebration of flavour — it was a tribute to Chamba’s heritage and core values. “Food holds a divine place in Indian culture and is often seen as sacred,” he said. He urged students to preserve traditional recipes while adopting a global outlook, reinforcing the importance of local identity in a connected world.

He also noted that Himachali cuisine is increasingly popular among tourists and that integrating traditional food with tourism can provide economic opportunities and support local livelihoods.

Chief guest Lalit Kumar commended the hospitality students for their dedication and creativity. He noted that events like these not only help students connect with their cultural roots but also enhance their professional development. He reiterated the Regulatory Commission’s commitment to ensuring quality education and maintaining standards across institutions in Himachal Pradesh.