Srinagar, 26-Mar:: The week long Food Festival organized by the Department of Tourism kick started here today with good number of tourists attending. The event was inaugurated by Secretary, Tourism Sarmad Hafiz along with director tourism G. N Yatoo. Speaking on the occasion, the Tourism Secretary said cuisine and culture have been intrinsic components of J&K’s tourism which the Department has decided to showcase optimally in coming events. He said the Department would soon organize food festivals at other tourist destinations to promote the concept of food tourism. Responding to the overwhelming response of the tourists, Sarmad Hafiz said it is very heartening to see the rush of tourists here and department aims to promote activities for attraction of tourists. The Food Festival is being held in collaboration with JK Tourism Deptt, . The officials said that the occasion provides an opportunity to intermingle the culture of different states through the flavour of tasting food which shows the feeling of National Integration and also to achieve an aim of greater bonding amongst the people of different States. The festival is aimed at popularizing the local cuisine and foods to give the tourists a feel of local culture and ethos. (CNS)
