India’s hottest foodie fests

Lucknow: India is known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, and food festivals across the country offer a great way to explore this gastronomic heritage. Here are some of the best food festivals in India:

1. National Street Food Festival, New Delhi

• When: January
• Highlights: This festival brings together the best street food from across India in one place. It's a paradise for street food lovers, featuring popular dishes from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.

2. Goa Food and Cultural Festival

• When: April
• Highlights: Celebrated in the beach paradise of Goa, this festival showcases the state's unique blend of Portuguese and Indian cuisines. It also features cultural performances, cooking competitions, and food stalls offering Goan delicacies.

3. International Mango Festival, New Delhi

• When: July
• Highlights: A celebration of the king of fruits, this festival features hundreds of varieties of mangoes, along with mango-based dishes, products, and even mango-eating competitions.

4. Ahare Bangla, Kolkata

• When: November
• Highlights: This festival is a treat for those who love Bengali cuisine. It offers a variety of traditional and modern Bengali dishes, along with live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs.

5. The Great Indian Food Festival, Various Locations

• When: October - December
• Highlights: A traveling food festival that visits major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, showcasing the best of Indian and international cuisines. It's known for its wide variety of food stalls, celebrity chef appearances, and food-related activities.

6. SulaFest, Nashik

• When: February
• Highlights: Located in the wine capital of India, this festival is a perfect blend of music, food, and wine. It offers gourmet food stalls, wine tasting sessions, and live music performances, making it a favorite among wine lovers.

7. Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Kochi

• When: December - March (Biennial)
• Highlights: While primarily an art event, this festival features a strong culinary component, offering local Kerala cuisine and food stalls showcasing regional dishes from across India.

8. Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan

• When: November
• Highlights: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this festival is not just about camels and livestock trading. It also features a food fair with traditional Rajasthani dishes, sweets, and snacks.

9. Ziro Music Festival, Arunachal Pradesh

• When: September
• Highlights: Though primarily a music festival, Ziro also offers a variety of North-Eastern cuisine, including local tribal dishes and exotic meats, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

10. Lucknow Mahotsav

• When: November - December
• Highlights: Celebrating the cultural heritage of Lucknow, this festival is known for its Awadhi cuisine. Visitors can indulge in kebabs, biryanis, and other traditional dishes that Lucknow is famous for.

These festivals not only offer a chance to taste the best of Indian cuisine but also to experience the diverse cultures and traditions of the country.