The scenic hill station of Mussoorie is currently hosting a vibrant celebration of culture and cuisine. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in partnership with the District Administration, has launched the Uttarakhand Food Festival 2025 as a central highlight of the ongoing Winterline Carnival.
A Celebration of Mussoorie's Winterline Phenomenon
The Winterline Carnival itself commenced on Wednesday, January 22, and will run until Monday, January 27. This annual event is dedicated to celebrating Mussoorie's unique winterline phenomenon, a rare optical spectacle visible in the sky during the colder months, alongside the rich cultural tapestry of the region. As a core component of this carnival, the Uttarakhand Food Festival is being held from Friday, January 24, to Sunday, January 26.
The festival grounds are lined with a diverse array of food stalls, each offering authentic and traditional dishes from across Uttarakhand. This provides both tourists and local residents a golden opportunity to explore flavours that have been preserved and passed down through generations. Beyond the culinary delights, the event features captivating local folk dance performances, live band music, and various interactive cultural experiences designed to showcase the true essence of the state.
Culinary Stars and Cultural Exchange
A major attraction of the festival is the participation of prominent food personalities. Celebrity Food Explorer and founder of Delhi Food Walks, Anubhav Sapra, and renowned Chef Smriti Hari are present, leading engaging culinary demonstrations, insightful discussions, and immersive food storytelling sessions.
Expressing his delight, Anubhav Sapra stated, "I am thrilled to be part of the Uttarakhand Food Festival. The state possesses an incredible food heritage that merits much wider recognition. Events like this play a crucial role in bringing these local flavours and the stories behind them into the spotlight."
Local food stall participant Sandeep Gupta shared his perspective, saying, "This platform allows us to present the genuine taste of Uttarakhand to visitors. Many people are trying these traditional dishes for the very first time here, which helps them connect with and understand our culture through food."
Boosting Tourism and Local Livelihoods
The festival is also hosting a dedicated Food Bloggers' Meet, gathering food writers, bloggers, and digital creators. The aim is to promote Uttarakhand's distinct culinary identity on both national and international platforms through their influential channels.
Shedding light on the festival's origins and impact, Sandeep Sahani, President of the Hotel Association, explained, "The Winterline Carnival and Uttarakhand Food Festival were initiated in 2013 with the primary objective of reviving the state's tourism economy, which was severely affected by a natural disaster. Over the years, it has evolved into an annual celebration eagerly anticipated by tourists and locals. It now significantly contributes to tourism, hospitality, and local livelihoods."
By seamlessly blending tradition, taste, and tourism, the Uttarakhand Food Festival 2025 continues to strengthen the region's reputation as a premier cultural and culinary destination, especially during the enchanting winter season.
