It was a double delight for Delhiites as they celebrated Christmas with a clear sky and enjoyed 'Dilli ke Pakwaan Festival' at Baba Kharak Singh Marg organised by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The food festival, which is part of the civic body's centenary celebrations, pulled a mammoth crowd of 50,000 people on Wednesday.
The festival offers a plethora of delicacies, including authentic Rajasthani, Punjabi and Hyderabadi cuisines. "Food lovers now don't have to rush here and there to treat their taste buds as all kind of yummy food and deserts are now available at one street. Being Christmas holiday coupled with good weather, the festival witnessed a crowd of over 50,000," said Sudhir Sobti, spokesperson of Delhi Tourism and Transport Department Corporation (DTTDC).
"Raj Kachori is mouth watering, more than 50 flavours of kulfis are available and a variety of pans were also attracting people. The dishes are cheap and are priced between `20 and `350," informed a seller there. The Rajasthan Food Stall appeared one of the busiest as people loved the regional food and talked about it to others.
Daulat ki Chaat from Chandni Chowk, Chicken biriyani and qorma by Qureshi from Kasabpur, nehari and fried chicken from Jama Masjid, roasted fish by Ganesh from Karol Bagh and egg parantha by Jayant from Moolchand are the stalls people loved the most.
Even the workers had busy time serving people. Everyone seemed to be having a gala time with their families and friends. As the festival is well connected with a Metro station and a bus stop nearby, it has been quite easy for people to reach.
"We have mostly tasted chicken dishes and they are really good. Foods are served in a hygienic way too," said Ashoo Sodh, an NRI from london, who was in the Capital with his wife and two daughters. To entertain visitors, a Rajasthani group and Jagdish Bhat group organised 'katputli dance' and regional dances.