M’lore: ‘Saamarasya 2011’ gets good response

The Hindu

Mangalore, 01 May 2011: At “Saamarasya 2011”, a food and cultural festival for peace was organised here on Saturday, it appeared that the former held more appeal for the people who thronged the food stalls.

 

HARD TO RESIST:Visitors at a wine and chocolate stall at ’Saamarasya 2011’ food and culture festival organised by Karnataka Christain Educational Society and interfaith Coalition for Peace in Mangalore on Saturday.

 

The festival was organised by the Karnataka Christian Educational Society (KACES) and Interfaith Coalition for Peace, New Delhi. Hundreds of people were scattered across the vast grounds on society premises, some watching the cultural programmes, and others strolling from one food stall to another.

 

The organisers had roped in the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy, and other organisations to present cultural programmes. Cultural programmes included patriotic songs, and a kola performance.

 

Food counters sold kottige (idli cooked in jackfruit leaf), a variety of fish, chicken sukka, homemade wine, and chocolates, sanjeera, and numerous other popular local dishes.

 

Sama Sadiya (20) from Karangalpady said she had heard of the festival and was persuaded to come despite her examinations. She did not know much about why the programme was organised but was enjoying herself sampling the food. Ramesh P.D. from Bagalkot and his friend Prashant R.W. from Badami who stay in hostels run by the KACES, were only there for the food. Holding up a parcel containing chicken biryani, they said: “We were looking around, but had no clue about the event.”

 

Flora A. Soans, a resident of Falnir, appreciated the event. It was an attempt to bring people together and enable them to know about the culture of others in society, she said.