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A lot of my posts are on Marathi cuisine.I am half Maharashtrian(half Bengali) therefore keen to learn more about my culture and share it with my friends.The Global
Kokan exhibition at the BKC grounds(24-27th Feb 2011,10 am to 10 pm) is an attempt to present the wealth of the Konkan to the rest of the world....food,arts and
tourism.The sets are designed by none other that Nitin Chandrakant Desai,the art director from Bollywood (of Lagaan,Jodha Akbar and Devdas fame) whose historical T.V serial Bajirao Mastani has many,many followers.
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Ths made me smile.....Shudh Shakahari Kokani Masa...the pure veg Konkan fish!
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At the centre there was a miniature stage which had folkdances all day long.
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At the sides are halls,some airconditioned,which showcased various things
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The Matsyalay Mahavidyalaya is an institute in Ratnagiri that provides degrees such as Bachelors and Masters in Fisheries Sciences.
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They were selling small packets of Shrimp Pickle made by their students.
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Other stalls were those of small time manufacturers who have immense talent and have created products using local produce.They however do not have the capacity to advertise like big companies and have so far remained unsung.
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There were Chickoo Chips from Vasai
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and Amla Candy from Sindhudurg
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Fanas Poli made of Jackfruit
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and balls of tamarind from Kankavli
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The famous Maharashtrian Masala...Goda Masala from Usha Home Products from Sindhudurg
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They also have readymade mixes such as Malvani Chicken Masala and Kolhapuri Pandhara Rassa which can be bought in Mahim.
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If you get Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter abroad,you get Kokum Body Butter in the Konkan!!
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I bought Pachak or the Digestive Syrup is made of Ginger,Lime,Asafoetida and
Saindhav Salt,a rock salt from the mountains
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I remember travelling to Pune by train when I was young and villagers coming to sell "Karvanda",a purple fruit in leaf cups at Khandala and Lonavla train stations.Here Deepashree Products have brought out a Karvanda Sherbet! Very soothing!
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You could buy flour to make Ambolis or the Konkan Rice Dosas.
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The King Fruit made its appearance but only in tins...it's only February!
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One of the most interesting stalls was that of the Vartaks who make Su-Keli using Rajali bananas that are left to dry in the sun then packed in dried banana leaves.Lends them a golden hue and a sweet taste
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Cashews grow a plenty and the cashew fruit too is used for cooking.Tender Cashew Bhaji is a delicacy from Konkan.
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Was happy to see a health food stall by a person from the Konkan that was selling snacks such as Jeera Sticks and Nachni Wholewheat Biscuits,all without maida!
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Here's wishing much success to all the food manufacturers from Kokan! Go global!
Comments
no konkan curry stalls?
Enjoy,Anon! I missed the stalls behind the big bullock cart...do check them out and tell us!
Nicely done. I like to coordinate with participant in future as well but there was no directory availbile.
Is any one can help to get Directory for participant specially for hospitality industry as this part was untouched and we like to explore more. gupta.arun@live.com
This being their first exhibition,I am sure next time around they will have many more things including a directory of all the exhibitors,which is a great suggestion!
It would be nice if the MMRDA would construct a permanent massive convention centre there with toilets and central airconditioning.
thanks