Globalisation is a double-edged sword. While it brings novel technology and ideas to new places, it also plays a part in the suppression of regional practices, habits, and ways. a testimony to that would be ‘trendy’ foods ushered to the world view through social media and aggressive marketing highlighting their nutritional benefits; replacing the traditional ingredients and healthy recipes. To reclaim the heritage of such naturally grown food, OOO Farms, Maharashtra has organised a Wild Food Festival in collaboration with The Locavore and Don Bosco College on Sunday, 27th August 2023.
The Wild Food Festival is not merely a get together for exotic lunch or showcasing a market for wild produce from jungles. The stakeholders aim to “throw light and direction towards food security and nutrition security” of India by discussing the ill effects of getting carried away by the billion-dollar food industry dictating what ‘healthy eating’ is. The official release states, “There are more than 200 vegetables, tubers, and roots which are grown within the radius of 100 kms of our very own Mumbai city … We have survived over 10,000 years on our locally grown food and food foraged from the forests. Then why has it disappeared now?” The organisers wish for the event to be a learning experience for all.
Catering to All
This unique food festival is a vibrant celebration of the indigenous wild foods that grow in Maharashtra during Monsoons. It will bring together city-dwellers, gastronomers, various Adivasi communities like Kokni, Warli, and Koli, and domain experts to “spotlight Maharashtra’s rich natural biodiversity and the resulting culinary heritage and the communities that play a vital role in the preserving of these traditional foods.” The event will include a display of 120-200 wild vegetables and OOO Farms Community seed bank, tasting of cooked wild vegetables, wild (uncultivated) tea, dinner, and a cultural program where Warli and Tarpa tribe members will showcase their art. Other highlights include an interactive session with the Domain Experts and showcasing of 6 special Mahua Flower recipes. The tickets to OOO Farms Wild Food Festival are available at their website.
