Srinagar, Oct 22: In its endeavour to attract tourists to the Valley, the J&K Tourism Development Corporation Friday launched ‘J and K Wazwaan Food Festival’ at Agra.
 The food festival has been organized in collaboration with the Hotel Marina (Formerly Holiday Inn).
 Managing Director, JKTDC, Satish Nehru told Greater Kashmir on phone that the food festival had been organized to attract tourists to the Valley. “Besides the unmatched beauty of Kashmir, we want to project its traditional food and culture to woo the tourists,” he said.
 “There has been overwhelming response to the food festival at Agra. We will be organizing food festivals at other cities including Delhi, Ajmer, Bhopal, Goa,” Nehru said.
 General Manager (Travel Division) JKTDC, Shamim Wani said the ambience in the hotel’s restaurant had been created in such a way so that it resembled the Valley. He said: “The menu comprises traditional Kashmiri dishes including Nadroo Yakhni, Paneer Tchaman, Gustaba, Rista and  Roganjosh.”
 “We deliberately selected this time for organizing the food festival as tourists from Central Europe and other foreign countries throng Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Our aim is to give the people of Agra the taste of Kashmir. We also want to portray our rich culture and cuisine to the foreign tourists and motivate them to visit the Valley,” Shamim said.
 “While relishing the dishes, they can enjoy traditional Kashmir music. We have utilized the services of Master Kashmiri Chef, Abdul Ahad for preparing the delicacies. The food is being served by Kashmiri wazas who are dressed up in traditional Kashmir style,” he added.
 Group General Manager, Hotel Marina & Radisson Blu, Sanjay Kaw said the festival has been planned for different age groups – kids, youngsters and senior citizens, perfect for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. “The customers from Agra liked the Kashmiris dishes. The Wazwaan festival has become the talk of town,” he added.
 The Festival will last till November 10.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST